To file a roof insurance claim in Texas after storm damage, document the damage with photos and videos immediately, contact your insurance company within 24-48 hours, request a professional roof inspection, meet with your insurance adjuster, get repair estimates from licensed contractors, and track all communications. Texas law requires insurers to acknowledge claims within 15 days and make decisions within 15-45 days depending on circumstances.
What Are the Steps to File a Roof Damage Insurance Claim in DFW?
Filing a successful roof insurance claim in the Dallas-Fort Worth area requires a systematic approach. Here’s the process Ranger Roofing & Construction recommends to homeowners throughout Denton County and surrounding areas:
Step 1: Document Everything Immediately: After a storm passes through DFW, safely document all visible damage from the ground. Take photos and videos of your roof from multiple angles, any debris in your yard, damage to gutters, siding, and outdoor AC units. Hail damage to soft metals like gutters and downspouts often indicates roof damage above. Place a coin or ruler next to hailstones for scale reference in photos.
Step 2: Make Temporary Repairs: Prevent further damage by covering holes with tarps and removing debris. Keep all receipts for emergency materials—your insurance typically reimburses these costs. Do not make permanent repairs before the adjuster inspects.
Step 3: Contact Your Insurance Company: Report the damage promptly. In Texas, you generally have one year from the date of damage to file a claim, but acting quickly is critical—especially since subsequent storms can complicate proving which storm caused which damage. Texas is the only state where the burden of isolating storm-specific damage falls on the homeowner.
Step 4: Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection: Request a thorough inspection from a licensed roofing contractor like Ranger Roofing & Construction before or alongside your adjuster’s visit. Our FREE drone-assisted inspections in DFW provide detailed documentation that supports your claim and ensures nothing is missed.
Step 5: Meet with the Insurance Adjuster: Be present when the adjuster inspects your property. Having your roofing contractor present helps ensure all damage is identified and documented properly. The adjuster works for the insurance company—having an expert on your side levels the playing field.
Step 6: Review the Settlement Offer: Compare the adjuster’s estimate with your contractor’s assessment. If the offer seems low, you have the right to request a re-inspection or invoke appraisal rights under Texas law.
How Long Does the Texas Roof Insurance Claim Process Take?
Under Texas Insurance Code, insurers must follow specific timelines:
- Acknowledgment: Within 15 days of receiving your claim
- Investigation: Must begin promptly after acknowledgment
- Decision: Within 15 business days for straightforward claims, up to 45 days if investigation is required
- Payment: Within 5 business days of settlement agreement
However, complex claims involving extensive damage or disputes can take longer. The key is maintaining communication and documentation throughout the process.
What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover for Roof Damage in Texas?
Most Texas homeowners insurance policies cover roof damage caused by:
- Hail – The most common roof damage claim in DFW
- Wind – Including storm winds and tornadoes
- Fire and lightning
- Falling objects – Such as tree branches
- Ice and snow damage – Though less common in North Texas
Insurance typically does NOT cover:
- Normal wear and tear
- Lack of maintenance
- Gradual deterioration
- Damage from neglect
- Roof age exceeding policy limits
What Is a Wind and Hail Deductible in Texas?
Many Texas policies have separate deductibles for wind and hail damage, typically calculated as a percentage of your home’s insured value rather than a flat dollar amount. Common deductibles range from 1% to 5% of the dwelling coverage.
Example: If your home is insured for $400,000 with a 2% wind/hail deductible, you would pay $8,000 before insurance covers the remaining repair costs.
Before filing a claim, understand your deductible to determine if the damage exceeds this threshold. A professional inspection can help estimate repair costs accurately.
Can I Choose My Own Roofing Contractor for Insurance Repairs?
Yes. Texas law protects your right to choose any licensed contractor for your repairs. You are not required to use a contractor recommended or preferred by your insurance company. Ranger Roofing & Construction works with all insurance companies and has over a decade of experience navigating DFW insurance claims successfully.
What If My Roof Insurance Claim Is Denied?
If your claim is denied, you have options:
- Request a written explanation – Insurers must explain denial reasons
- Gather additional documentation – Professional inspections, photos, weather reports
- File an appeal – Submit new evidence supporting your claim
- Request an appraisal – Most policies include appraisal provisions for disputed amounts
- File a complaint – Contact the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI)
- Consult an attorney – For bad faith claim handling
Why Choose Ranger Roofing & Construction for Insurance Claims in DFW?
Ranger Roofing & Construction has helped hundreds of DFW homeowners navigate the insurance claim process successfully. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Over a decade of local experience handling Texas insurance claims
- FREE 4K drone roof inspections providing detailed damage documentation
- A+ BBB Rating demonstrating our commitment to customer satisfaction
- Direct communication with adjusters on your behalf
- Insurance claim specialists who understand Texas regulations
- Locally owned in Denton County—we know DFW weather patterns
- 5-year workmanship warranty on all installations
- Fully insured protecting you and your property
We explain the process from start to finish and keep you constantly updated on your project status.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon after a storm should I file an insurance claim? File within 24-48 hours of discovering damage. While Texas allows up to one year, prompt filing prevents complications from subsequent storms and ensures evidence is fresh.
Do I need to get multiple estimates for my insurance claim? Your insurance company will provide their estimate. Getting an independent estimate from a licensed contractor like Ranger Roofing helps ensure the assessment is complete and accurate.
Will filing a roof claim raise my insurance rates? While any claim can potentially affect rates, weather-related claims in Texas are typically viewed differently than at-fault claims. The impact varies by insurer and your claims history.
What if the insurance estimate is lower than repair costs? You can negotiate, request a re-inspection, invoke appraisal rights, or have your contractor provide a detailed scope of work showing why additional repairs are necessary.
Can I keep the insurance money and not fix my roof? If you have a mortgage, your lender likely requires repairs. Additionally, insurers may issue initial payments with final payment contingent on completed repairs. Not repairing also leaves your home vulnerable to further damage.
Get Your Free Storm Damage Assessment Today
If your DFW home has experienced storm damage, don’t wait. Ranger Roofing & Construction offers FREE roof inspections with 4K drone technology throughout Denton, Flower Mound, Highland Village, Corinth, Plano, and all of North Texas. Reach out to Ranger Roofing today.