If you’re a Texas homeowner, your roof faces hail, hurricanes, and extreme heat—but will your insurance actually cover the damage? The answer depends on your policy, roof age, and type of damage.
This guide explains:
✔ What roof damage is covered (and what’s often denied)
✔ How Texas insurance laws affect claims
✔ 3 sneaky reasons claims get rejected
✔ Steps to maximize your payout
1. What Roof Damage IS Typically Covered
Most Texas homeowners policies cover sudden, accidental damage from:
✅ Covered Perils
- Hailstorms (Most common claim in DFW, Lubbock, San Antonio)
- Wind/Hurricanes (Check if you’re in a “windstorm deductible” area)
- Falling objects (Tree limbs, debris)
- Fire/Lightning
- Weight of ice/snow (Rare but possible in North Texas)
Example: A 2023 hailstorm in Dallas caused $1.5B in insured roof losses—most claims were approved.
2. What’s Often NOT Covered
❌ Common Exclusions
- Wear and tear (Old, neglected roofs)
- Missing shingles without storm proof (You need timestamped photos)
- Cosmetic hail damage (Some policies exclude dents that don’t affect function)
- “Acts of God” loopholes (Vague policy language)
Red Flag: If your roof is over 15 years old, insurers may only pay actual cash value (depreciated cost).
3. Texas-Specific Insurance Rules
📌 Key Laws to Know
- “Prompt Payment” Law – Insurers have 15 days to approve/deny claims after inspection.
- No Deductible for Hail/Wind? Some policies have separate 1-5% deductibles for these.
- Roof Age Penalties – Many insurers reduce payouts by 20%+/year for roofs >10 yrs old.
Pro Tip: Metal roofs often get 5-10% premium discounts for hail resistance.
4. How to Avoid Claim Denials (3-Step Checklist)
🔍 Before You File:
- Document damage immediately – Take date-stamped photos/videos post-storm.
- Get a professional inspection – Roofers can spot hidden damage adjusters miss.
- Review your policy’s “roof surface exclusion” – Some cap repairs at $X per shingle.
⚡ If Denied:
- Request a second inspection with your roofer present
- File a complaint with TDI (Texas Dept. of Insurance)
5. What to Expect From the Claims Process
| Step | Timeline | What You’ll Need |
|---|---|---|
| File Claim | Immediately | Photos, storm date |
| Adjuster Visit | 3-14 days | Roofer’s estimate |
| Approval | 15-30 days | Contractor selected |
| Payment | 5 days after approval | Signed contract |
Note: Payments often come in two parts (initial check + supplemental after repairs).
Need Help With a Texas Roof Insurance Claim?
📞 Call Roofing Lubbock at +1 (833) 964-1522
✔ Inspect damage for FREE
✔ Meet your adjuster to ensure nothing’s missed
✔ Handle paperwork for faster approvals