Everything is bigger in Texas , including our storms. Mother Nature doesn’t pull any punches when it comes to getting her message across.

From 2013-2015, Texas was the number one state for hail loss claims. If you own a home or business here, you stand a good chance of experiencing damage to your property. Our personal reporting shows that Texas as been #1 in the nation for hail, wind & tornados 2013 - 2018.

Don’t let the claim filing process intimidate you.

We’ve put together a few do’s and don’ts of filing roofing insurance claims to help you prepare for the spring storm season.

Do Read Your Policy

It’s probably not the most exciting document you’ll read, but don’t let that stop you from checking out your insurance policy.

The information in your policy includes several pieces of information you must understand including:

• Amount of your deductible
• Types of roof damage/repairs the policy covers
• Statute of limitations
• State and local policies that could affect your claim
• Maximum for roof insurance claims
• Policy exclusions

Keep in mind each insurance provider covers roof damage claims differently. In certain cases, insurance covers repairs but not a full roof replacement. For some providers, age matters and they’ll only cover a part (or nothing) of repair costs for a roof 10 years of age or older.

Once you’ve read your policy, contact your insurance provider for help deciphering any confusing policy details.

Don’t Wait to Contact Your Insurance Company

Your policy may clearly define the statute of limitations for filing a claim but that doesn’t mean you should wait until the eleventh hour.

Once the storm passes, make a safe assessment of your roof. You can often see the damage from the ground. For damage you can’t see it’s better if you contact a roofing company and let them inspect the roof - most roofing companies do this for free!

Don’t wait for weeks or months because your policy may require claim filing within a certain time frame.

Aside from policy rules, the sooner you file your claim, the faster you can begin repairs. Remember, after a major storm, you won’t be the only person filing a claim.

It’s better to be towards the top of your roofing contractor’s list and each day you delay filing your claim pushes you further down the list.

Hint: To make the claim filing process go smoothly before you call the insurance company, have the policy number and any inspection reports or estimates ready for the customer service representative.

Do Take Photos

Your insurance provider may send an adjuster out who does the damage assessment and writes you your first check on the spot. Some providers ask the policyholder to send photos of the damage first.

Either way, it’s a good idea to take your own photos and document on paper any damage you find.

If your insurance company requires you to send photos and estimates before they make a decision on your claim, this is the time to call in a roofing contractor.

An experienced roofing contractor knows what to look for beyond broken shingles and can document the extent of the damage. The contractor can also take pictures, which they often give to you along with a professional estimate.

Don’t wait for a storm—if you can, take regular pictures of your roof. Anytime you’ve done maintenance take a photo and label it with the date. Take photos from different angles so that have images of the entire roof as well as the condition of your roofing materials.

Your photos prove the damage was not present before the storm.

Don’t Wait for the Check

What do you do If you have water pouring from your roof into your home or business? Do you wait for the insurance company’s check?

EMERGENCY TARPING SERVICES ARE REIMBURSABLE BY YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY.

Not all roofing insurance claims get approved the same day they're filed. Your insurance company won’t penalize you if you start repair work before they issue a check.

Also, you may get an initial check for materials and then a second check once the job is complete. Remember, the insurance company normally pays you, not the contractor. Some contractors require at least a deposit before they begin the job.

In case of minimal damage, you can probably wait for your claim check but it’s usually better if you can start repairs as soon as possible.

For checks that take a long time financing options are available and can be paid off early with no penalties.

Don’t Be Impulsive

Within 24 hours of a hailstorm, you may have a flurry of roofing contractors knock on your door. You have damage and they have the tools.

The point here is don’t sign a service contract with a roofing contractor from out of town.

It’s better if you can talk with 2-3 local contractors before you make a decision. Take time and do your own research on each one. Make sure the contractor you choose has general liability and workman's compensation insurance.

Be careful with contractors who offer you a deal that sounds too good to be true.
There’s nothing wrong with a free inspection and estimate. Most roofing contractors even offer tips on how you can work with your insurance company and make the claim process easier.

If the contractor who comes to your door offers to waive or cover your deductible remember that can be insurance fraud - a felony in Texas. A contractor asking for a cash deposit is also a red flag.

Avoid problems by taking your time and choosing experience over enticing deals.

Do Team Up with an Experienced Roofing Company

Remember when we cautioned you not to let the claim process intimidate you? As you can see, the roofing insurance claims process has many details. Handling things on your own can feel overwhelming.

Teaming up with a roofing contractor who has experience and a good reputation in the community will help you get through the details with less stress.

Most contractors can help you collect the correct damage documentation. They can also help you submit the documents to your insurance company.

Be aware your insurance company may provide a list of suggested contractors. You’re not obligated to choose one of their recommendations. But their list includes contractors they've already vetted.

An experienced roofing company in Austin, TX will complete your roof repair or replacement quickly and professionally.

Have More Questions about Roofing Insurance Claims?

Done reading and still have more questions? Check out our claims information page or call us.

Ready to get us out to look at your roof? Contact us today to schedule your free appointment and estimate 512-629-4949 / Daisy@AustinRoofingAndConstruction.com