Who does what
- You and your insurer hold the policy. The insurer's adjuster inspects and decides coverage and payment.
- A roofing contractor inspects the roof, documents condition, writes a repair or replacement estimate, and does the work.
- A licensed public adjuster is a separate, licensed profession that can represent you in a claim, usually for a fee.
What Texas law limits
In Texas, roofing contractors generally cannot act as public adjusters, which means they cannot negotiate or adjust your claim for you. They also cannot pay, waive or rebate your deductible. Offers that sound like "we'll cover your deductible" or "you'll get a free roof" are red flags. Rules can change, so confirm current details with the Texas Department of Insurance at tdi.texas.gov.
Understand your policy before the storm
- Wind and hail deductible. Many Texas policies use a separate wind and hail deductible, often a percentage of dwelling coverage rather than a flat dollar amount.
- Replacement cost vs. actual cash value. Some policies pay full replacement cost, others subtract depreciation for an older roof.
- Exclusions. Long-term wear and neglect are typically excluded, while sudden storm damage is typically covered.
- Deadlines. Policies set reporting windows, so report promptly.
A typical claim path
- Document damage from the ground and protect the home from further water entry.
- Report the loss to your insurer and ask what they need.
- Get a written roof inspection and estimate from a contractor you trust.
- The insurer's adjuster inspects and issues a decision and payment.
- If the scope is different from what the roofer found, a contractor can share photos and an estimate to support a review, and you decide how to proceed.
- Complete repairs, keep invoices, and follow your insurer's payment steps.
Red flags after a storm
- Pressure to sign immediately, or a promise your claim will be approved
- Offers to absorb your deductible or provide a "free" roof
- Contracts or work authorizations that assign your claim rights before the insurer has decided
- Large upfront payment with no itemized scope
- No local address, no proof of insurance, no references
What this means for choosing a roofer
Look for a contractor who explains your options, gives a written estimate and is clear about what they can and cannot do in a claim. Pair this with our estimate checklist.
This is general information, not legal or insurance advice.
Educational overview, not a quote, insurance advice or a professional inspection.
Related: Storm Damage Roof Repair Storm Damaged Roof Replacement What to Do After Hail or Storm Damage