Filing an insurance claim for roof damage in Texas can feel overwhelming, especially if you have never been through the process before. After helping thousands of Dallas homeowners navigate claims over 38 years, we put together a clear, step by step guide.
Step 1: Document the Damage Immediately
After a storm passes, document everything you can see from the ground. Take photos and videos of your roof from multiple angles. Photograph any visible damage to shingles, gutters, siding, windows, and outdoor furniture. Take photos of any interior water damage (ceiling stains, wet walls). Note the date, time, and nature of the storm. Do not go on the roof yourself. Leave that to professionals.
Step 2: Call Your Insurance Company
Contact your homeowners insurance carrier to report the damage and open a claim. Most Texas carriers have a time limit for reporting storm damage (typically one year for hail, but check your specific policy). The sooner you report, the better.
When you call, you will receive a claim number and be assigned an adjuster. Write down the claim number immediately and keep it accessible for all future communications.
Step 3: Get a Professional Roof Inspection
Before the insurance adjuster arrives, have an independent roofing professional inspect your roof. Bert Roofing provides free storm damage inspections. We document every point of damage with detailed photos and measurements. This gives you an independent assessment to compare against the insurance adjuster's findings.
This step is critical. Insurance adjusters are often evaluating dozens of claims simultaneously and may spend limited time on your roof. Having your own documentation ensures nothing is missed.
Step 4: Meet the Insurance Adjuster
When the adjuster comes to inspect your roof, be present if possible. If you have a roofing contractor you trust, ask them to meet the adjuster at your property. A knowledgeable roofer can point out damage that an adjuster might overlook and explain the full scope of repairs needed.
At Bert Roofing, we regularly meet with adjusters on behalf of our customers to ensure claims reflect the complete picture.
Step 5: Review the Scope of Work
After the adjuster completes their inspection, your insurance company will send a scope of work and repair estimate (often generated through Xactimate software). Review this carefully. Compare it against your roofing contractor's independent assessment.
Common issues include: missing items (starter strips, ice barrier, drip edge), insufficient quantities, and failure to account for code upgrades that are now required by local building codes. If the scope is incomplete, your roofer can submit a supplement to the insurance company requesting the additional items.
Step 6: Choose Your Contractor
You have the legal right to choose any licensed contractor to perform the work. You are not required to use anyone your insurance company recommends. Choose a contractor based on their qualifications, reputation, and your comfort level.
Step 7: Review and Sign the Contract
Before any work begins, you should have a written contract that specifies the exact scope of work, materials to be used, timeline, and total cost. The contract should match the approved insurance scope. There should be no surprises.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not accept the first offer if it does not cover the full scope of needed repairs. You have the right to negotiate. Do not hire a contractor who offers to waive your deductible (it is illegal in Texas). Do not sign any contract under pressure. Do not let anyone start work without a signed contract and insurance approval.
Bert Roofing has helped thousands of DFW homeowners through this process. Call us at 214-321-9341 for a free storm damage assessment.