In this guide
1The claim, step by step
- Inspection.A roofer checks for storm damage and documents what they find.
- Filing.You report the damage to your insurance company and get a claim number.
- Adjuster visit.Your insurance company sends an adjuster to inspect the roof. Your roofer can be there to point out the damage.
- Decision and estimate.Your insurance company decides what’s covered and sends you its estimate.
- First payment.Many policies pay part of the claim first and the rest after the work is done.
- Repairs.Your roofer completes the work in the approved scope.
- Final payment.You send the final invoice to your insurance company to release any remaining money your policy owes.
2Words you’ll see on your paperwork
- Deductible
- The part of the claim you pay. Many Texas policies use a percentage deductible for wind and hail, such as 1% or 2% of your dwelling coverage.
- Actual cash value (ACV)
- What your damaged roof was worth, after subtracting depreciation for age and wear.
- Replacement cost value (RCV)
- What it costs to replace the roof with new materials of like kind and quality.
- Recoverable depreciation
- On many replacement cost policies, money held back from the first payment and paid after the work is done.
- Supplement
- A request to add damage or items the first estimate missed, often found once work begins.
- Mortgage company on the check
- If you have a mortgage, the check may list your lender too, and they may need to sign it.
3How long does a claim take?
It depends on the storm, your insurance company and how busy things are after a big storm. Ask your adjuster what to expect, and keep notes of every call and email.
This guide is general information, not legal or insurance advice. Your policy and your insurance company decide what’s covered.
