How a roof claim usually works
- You report the damage to your insurer and receive a claim number.
- The insurer acknowledges the claim and may request documents, photos or an inspection.
- An adjuster inspects the roof and writes an estimate.
- The insurer accepts or rejects the claim, in whole or in part, and explains its decision.
- If accepted, payment is issued under your policy terms (minus your deductible). Policies differ on whether they pay actual cash value or replacement cost, so read yours.
Insurer deadlines in Texas
Chapter 542 of the Texas Insurance Code sets prompt-payment deadlines. For most insurers, the company must acknowledge your claim, begin its investigation and request what it needs within 15 days after receiving notice of the claim. It then has a deadline to accept or reject the claim after it receives the items it asked for, and if it needs more time it must tell you why — after which it has up to 45 more days to decide. Different deadlines apply to some insurers (for example, surplus lines carriers) and can be extended after weather catastrophes. Read Chapter 542 for the exact rules that apply to you.
Deductibles: what contractors can't do
Under Texas Business & Commerce Code §27.02, a contractor can't offer to waive, rebate or absorb a policyholder's deductible. Contracts of $1,000 or more that will be paid with insurance proceeds must include a notice about this. The Texas Department of Insurance explains these rules on its roofing and insurance page.
Practically: budget for your deductible, and treat any "we'll take care of your deductible" pitch as a reason to walk away.
Contractors can't be your adjuster
Texas Insurance Code §4102.163 prohibits a contractor from acting as a public adjuster, or advertising to adjust claims, for property where it provides or may provide contracting services. A roofer can point out damage and explain their estimate, but can't negotiate your claim. If you want someone to represent you with your insurer, that's the role of a licensed public adjuster or an attorney.
Getting help
- Texas Department of Insurance Consumer Help Line: 800-252-3439, weekdays 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Central.
- Your policy declarations page lists your deductible(s), including any separate wind/hail deductible.
- Need the roof looked at first? Read what to do after a storm or call (831) 300-2416 to reach a roofer that serves your ZIP.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to use the roofer my insurance company recommends?
Check your policy and ask your insurer. In general you choose who works on your home; make sure the contractor's estimate and the adjuster's estimate describe the same scope of work.
What is a wind/hail deductible?
Some Texas policies have a separate deductible for wind and hail damage, often set as a percentage of your dwelling coverage rather than a flat amount. Your declarations page shows what applies to you.
Sources
- Texas Insurance Code, Chapter 542 (prompt payment of claims)
- Texas Department of Insurance — Roofing and insurance: Know the law
- Texas Insurance Code §4102.163 (contractors may not act as public adjusters)
- Texas Department of Insurance — Contact us (Consumer Help Line 800-252-3439)
Page last reviewed 2026-11-08.