Filing a roof insurance claim in Texas after hail or wind can feel overwhelming. This guide puts everything in one place: what to do in the first 48 hours, how to document the damage, how to file, what happens when the adjuster comes out, how to read your scope of loss, what you'll owe and what to do if the claim is denied or comes in low. It's the same process we walk North Texas homeowners and property owners through every storm season.
Fort Worth sits in one of the most hail-prone parts of the country. Tarrant County logged 482 NOAA hail reports from 2015 through 2025, the most of any Texas county, and 59 of them were hail 2 inches or larger, according to an analysis of NOAA storm event records. About 89 percent of Texas hail reports in that data fell between March and June. For the signs of damage themselves, see our guide on how to spot hail damage.
The Texas roof claim process at a glance
- Stay safe and protect the property in the first 48 hours.
- Document the damage with photos, a written log and receipts.
- Get a free inspection to confirm whether there's real storm damage.
- File the claim promptly and write down your claim number.
- Meet the adjuster, ideally with your roofer on site.
- Review the scope of loss line by line against the contractor's findings.
- Schedule the work, then send final invoices and photos to close the claim.
Step 1: What to do in the first 48 hours after hail or wind
Stay safe, photograph the damage from the ground, protect the inside of your home and schedule an inspection.
- Stay off the roof. Wet, damaged shingles are slippery, and loose materials can fall.
- Don't walk under hanging debris or enter areas with standing water near electrical equipment.
- Check ceilings and the attic for new stains.
- If water is coming in, move valuables and get the roof covered. We offer emergency tarp installation; our emergency tarp guide explains what to expect.
- Save receipts for any emergency work. Temporary repairs should prevent more damage, not become a permanent fix before the roof is evaluated.
Step 2: Document the damage before cleanup begins
Good documentation gives you, your contractor and your insurer a clear record of what happened, what was found and what work is needed. The goal isn't to build a case through guesswork. It's to preserve accurate evidence.
Photos and video
Before debris is removed or a tarp goes on, take wide photos and video of the roofline, gutters, downspouts, siding, fencing, windows, outdoor AC units and storm debris. Wide shots show where damage sits on the building. Then take close-ups: dented gutters and vents, torn screens, lifted shingles, displaced flashing, AC fins and any hail you can measure next to a coin or ruler. If water got inside, photograph ceiling stains, wet insulation and damaged flooring before removing anything. Use your phone's original camera settings, with no filters or screenshots, and back the files up the same day.
Insurance claim documentation checklist
- Storm date and approximate time, plus any local weather or hail reports
- Wide, medium and close photos of every damaged area, labeled by location (for example "north slope" or "rear gutter")
- Photos of interior water damage and affected contents
- A written log: when you noticed damage, which rooms or areas are affected and what you did about it
- Claim number, adjuster name and contact info
- Notes from every call: date, who you spoke with and what was said
- Receipts for tarping, water extraction and other emergency measures
- Your policy declarations page
- The contractor's inspection report and detailed estimate for your property
- Damaged pieces like a broken vent cover or detached flashing, kept until you know they're no longer needed
- Before and after photos of any temporary repair
Extra documentation for commercial properties
Commercial claims often involve several roof sections, tenant spaces, drainage, HVAC equipment and business operations. Property managers should record affected units, tenant reports, access limits and steps taken to reduce disruption. A simple roof plan or property map makes the file easier to follow. Our commercial roofing team can help document low-slope systems.
Stick to the facts
Write "Water appeared on the living room ceiling after the storm at about 8 p.m." rather than guessing at the cause before the roof is inspected. Accurate records build credibility and keep everyone focused on the actual condition of the property.
Step 3: Get a free roof inspection
Before you call your insurer, it helps to know whether there's real storm damage. We inspect the roof and exterior and give you detailed, dated photos. If there isn't enough damage for a claim, we'll tell you honestly, so you don't file a claim you don't need.
Not every mark is storm damage. Granule loss can come from age. A dark spot can be a blister, staining or a true hail hit. Wind damage shows up as creased shingles, lifted tabs, damaged ridge caps or loose flashing, and it takes a trained eye to tell those apart from normal aging. A thorough inspection looks beyond the shingles to vents, pipe boots, ridge caps, gutters, fascia, siding, window screens and metal accessories, which all help show the storm's path and size. Read more about what our free roof inspection checks.
Step 4: File the claim promptly
Call your insurer or use their app, give the storm date and describe the damage, then write down your claim number.
Check your policy for its deadline to report storm damage, and report promptly even if you're still gathering information. Storm damage can get worse with the next rain, and waiting makes it harder to separate new damage from later wear. Mention that you have photos and an inspection report. Keep all communications in one place so details don't get lost in scattered texts and emails.
Step 5: Meet the adjuster
The adjuster inspects the roof and writes an estimate. We can be there to point out the damage we documented.
We make sure nothing is missed, including gutters, vents, fascia, siding and paint. Under TDI Bulletin B-0008-24, contractors can discuss estimates and technical details with an adjuster but may not act as your adjuster, so the claim decision stays between you and your insurer. One of our Google reviewers wrote that Aaron "handled everything from the initial consultation, to the insurance estimator visit, to scheduling all the work."
Step 6: Review the scope of loss, not just the payment
Read the insurer's estimate line by line before focusing on the bottom-line number. It usually shows replacement cost, depreciation and your deductible, along with the materials, measurements and labor the carrier is allowing.
Compare it with your contractor's findings:
- Does it include every damaged slope or roof section?
- Are gutters, screens, vents, flashing, drip edge, valley materials and accessories included where needed?
- For a low-slope commercial roof, does it account for the actual system, such as TPO, coatings, seams, penetrations, drains and edges?
A missing item doesn't mean anyone did something wrong. Adjusters often have limited time on site, and some damage isn't visible on the first visit. Clear photos, measurements and a detailed contractor estimate can support a request to review additional work.
Will the roof be repaired or replaced?
Insurers usually look at hail damage slope by slope. A few hits on one slope may lead to essential roof repairs, while bruising across several slopes often leads to replacement. Matching matters too: if your shingle line is discontinued, a repair may not blend in, and that can be part of the conversation with your adjuster. Roof age plays a role as well, especially on ACV policies. See our repair vs. replacement guide for how we think about it.
What will I owe on a roof claim in Texas?
You owe your deductible, and on many policies you won't get the full payment until the work is done.
Many Texas policies have a separate wind and hail deductible, often a percentage of your home's insured value rather than a flat dollar amount. On replacement cost policies, the first check is often reduced by depreciation, and the recoverable depreciation is released after the work is finished. On ACV policies, depreciation usually isn't paid back. Read your policy or ask your agent how yours works.
Texas law requires you to pay your own deductible, and the Texas Department of Insurance warns that contractors may not waive it or help you avoid it. Be wary of any roofer who promises to "cover your deductible" or guarantees insurance will pay for a full roof before the claim is reviewed. Those promises can create legal and financial problems for you.
Insurance generally pays for covered storm damage, subject to your policy terms. If you choose upgraded materials or unrelated improvements, those costs are usually separate, and a clear estimate shows which work is restoration and which is an upgrade.
Step 7: Schedule the work and close out the claim
The roof work itself usually takes one to two days. The claim process before it often takes several weeks.
After big storms, insurers, adjusters and suppliers all get busy, so timelines stretch. Once the scope is approved, we order materials, confirm the permit if decking needs replacement and set your date. Under the City of Fort Worth residential permitting page, replacing roof decking, sheathing, rafters or ridge boards requires a building permit, while shingle-only work does not. We finish with a clean job site and send final invoices and photos so you can close out the claim and collect any recoverable depreciation.
Can hail damage gutters, siding and windows too?
Yes. Hail often dents gutters and downspouts, cracks vinyl siding, chips paint and tears window screens. These items can be part of the same claim as the roof, so we document the whole exterior, not just the shingles. If gutters are damaged, we can replace them with new seamless gutters as part of the same project.
Should I upgrade to impact-resistant shingles?
Many Fort Worth homeowners do, because Class 4 shingles are tested to resist hail better than standard shingles. Your policy pays for like-kind materials, so the upgrade is usually your cost. Some insurers offer a premium discount for Class 4 roofs; the amount varies, so ask your agent. We'll price both options side by side so you can compare the project total for each. See our page on Class 4 impact-resistant shingles.
What if my claim is denied or seems too low?
Ask your insurer for the reason in writing, review the estimate line by line, document missed items and request a reinspection if needed.
Sometimes the honest answer is that the damage isn't from the storm. If that's the case, we'll tell you, and we'll give you the budget-friendly option for essential roof repairs so you're not left with a leak. If you think the insurer got it wrong, the Texas Department of Insurance has consumer help at 800-252-3439.
Is north Fort Worth at higher risk for hail?
All of Tarrant County sees frequent hail, and north Fort Worth has had some of the costliest recent storms. On April 28, 2021, a hailstorm across north Fort Worth and Keller led to about 32,000 insurance claims, according to the Insurance Council of Texas as reported by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Homes in Heritage, Alliance, Summerfields and nearby Saginaw and Keller often show dents on gutters and AC fins after storms like these.
Common claim mistakes to avoid
- Waiting too long to report damage or get an inspection.
- Relying on one or two photos. Pair close-ups with medium and wide shots.
- Throwing away damaged materials before they're photographed.
- Signing a vague contract that promises a new roof no matter what the inspection shows.
- Assuming the claim covers upgrades or unrelated improvements.
- Climbing on the roof yourself. Let a pro photograph the shingles.
Why work with Salter Exteriors on your claim
Salter Exteriors has assisted with more than 2,500 insurance claims in North Texas since 2014. We provide detailed photo documentation, a detailed estimate for your property and honest answers about whether you have a claim at all. See our storm damage restoration and roof replacement services, or request a free inspection online. Let's get your project scheduled.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to file a roof claim in Texas?
It depends on your policy. Check your policy's reporting deadline and report storm damage promptly.
Should I call a roofer or my insurer first?
Many homeowners get a free inspection first to confirm there's storm damage, then report it promptly to their insurer.
What should I photograph for a roof insurance claim?
Wide and close photos of the roofline, gutters, vents, siding, screens, AC fins and any interior water damage, plus hail next to a coin or ruler. Use original camera settings and back the files up.
What is a wind and hail deductible?
A separate deductible for wind and hail damage, common on Texas policies and often a percentage of your home's insured value.
Can a contractor pay or waive my deductible?
No. Texas law requires homeowners to pay their deductible, and contractors may not waive or offset it. Be wary of any roofer who offers to.
What is recoverable depreciation?
On replacement cost policies, the insurer often holds back depreciation from the first payment and releases it after the work is finished and documented.
Can my roofer meet the adjuster?
Yes. A contractor can be on site to point out documented damage and discuss the estimate, but under TDI rules may not act as your adjuster.
What if my claim is denied?
Ask for the reason in writing, review the estimate, document missed items and request a reinspection if needed. TDI's consumer help line is 800-252-3439.
Questions about your roof? Call or text Aaron at 972-246-7448 for a free inspection.
Thanks for reading,
Aaron
Salter Exteriors, Fort Worth, TX, serving Tarrant County and North Texas · Call or text 972-246-7448
Related services and service areas
Need help with what this article covers? Salter Exteriors Roofing & Remodeling handles storm and hail damage restoration, emergency roof tarp installation and roof replacement. See our local pages for Fort Worth roofing, Arlington roofing and Haltom City roofing, plus the rest of our North Texas service areas. Text or call 972-246-7448 to request a free roof inspection.