How a roof insurance claim works in Texas

Everything on this page comes from the Texas Department of Insurance. It is what you can expect, and what your insurer has to do.

Before you file

Call your insurance company to talk through your options, and think about your deductible.
Your wind and hail deductible can be different from your deductible for other damage. Check your policy.
Report damage promptly. Most policies have a deadline.

Write everything down

When you called the company, who you talked to, and your adjuster's name.
Any documents or information the company asks you for.
Photos and video of the damage, a list of what was damaged, and every receipt.

The adjuster's visit

Try to be there, and make sure the adjuster sees all the damage. Send any information they ask for quickly, because that keeps your claim moving.

Deadlines your insurance company must meet

15 days to tell you it got your claim.
15 business days to accept or deny it, after it has all the information it needs.
5 business days to send your check, after it agrees to pay.

How the money comes

Replacement cost coverage pays up to the full cost to repair your roof at current prices. It usually comes as two checks: a partial payment first, and the rest after you have started repairs.

Actual cash value coverage pays less if your roof is older or showing wear. Insurance won't pay for a new roof just because it is old or worn out.

Your deductible is yours to payA Texas roofer cannot offer to waive or rebate your deductible. More on that here.

If you disagree

If you disagree about how much they will pay, not whether it is covered, you can ask for appraisal. You and the company each hire an appraiser, and a neutral umpire decides. You pay your own appraiser and half the umpire's cost.

For any other problem with your claim, the Texas Department of Insurance takes complaints. Help Line: 800-252-3439.

Questions homeowners ask

How long does my insurance company have to answer a claim in Texas?

The Texas Department of Insurance says your company must tell you it got your claim within 15 days, accept or deny it within 15 business days of getting all the information it needs, and send a check within five business days after it agrees to pay.

Why did I only get part of the money for my roof?

With replacement cost coverage, the Texas Department of Insurance says the company pays with two checks: a partial payment first, and the rest after you have started repairs.

What if I disagree with how much the insurer will pay?

If you disagree about the amount, not whether it is covered, the Texas Department of Insurance says you can use appraisal: you and the company each hire an appraiser, and an umpire decides. You pay your appraiser and half the umpire's cost.

Is my wind and hail deductible the same as my other deductible?

Not always. The Texas Department of Insurance says wind and hail deductibles can be different from the deductible for other damage, so check your policy.

Sources

This is general information, not legal or insurance advice. Your own policy is what counts. Checked Sep 26, 2026.

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