Roof Insurance Claims: Complete Guide for Texas & Louisiana

Filing a roof insurance claim can feel overwhelming—adjusters, estimates, supplements, depreciation. But with the right knowledge and a contractor who advocates for you, the process doesn't have to be stressful. This guide walks you through every step of the claims process for Texas and Louisiana homeowners.

This isn't generic advice. It's based on our hands-on experience handling 200+ roof insurance claims across both states. We've learned what works, what doesn't, and how to ensure homeowners get fair payment for legitimate damage.

When to File a Roof Insurance Claim

Your homeowners insurance covers roof damage from specific "covered perils"—not normal wear and aging. Understanding what's covered helps you decide whether to file a claim.

Covered Damage (File a Claim)

• Hail damage — The most common claim in Texas; causes circular dents and granule loss on shingles
• Wind damage — Missing shingles, lifted tabs, damage from flying debris
• Hurricane damage — Primary concern for Louisiana coastal areas
• Fallen trees and branches — Impact damage from storms
• Fire and lightning — Less common but fully covered

Not Covered (Don't File)

• Normal wear and aging — Your roof naturally deteriorates over time; this isn't covered
• Neglected maintenance — Damage from failing to maintain your roof
• Pre-existing conditions — Damage that existed before the storm event
• Cosmetic damage only — Some policies exclude purely cosmetic hail damage

The Role of Your Roofing Contractor

Your contractor should be your advocate throughout the claims process—not just someone who shows up after approval to do the work. A good contractor will:

• Inspect your roof BEFORE the adjuster visit and document all damage
• Meet with the adjuster on-site to ensure nothing is missed
• Review the insurance estimate for accuracy and completeness
• File supplements when the estimate undervalues repairs
• Communicate directly with the insurance company on your behalf

Understanding Your Insurance Policy

Insurance policies use terminology that can be confusing. Understanding these key terms helps you know what to expect from your claim.

RCV vs. ACV: The Biggest Difference

Replacement Cost Value (RCV) policies pay the full cost to replace your roof with like-kind materials, without deducting for depreciation. This is the better policy type for homeowners.

Actual Cash Value (ACV) policies deduct depreciation from the payout. If your 15-year-old roof costs $20,000 to replace but has depreciated 50%, you'd only receive $10,000 minus your deductible.

How RCV Payments Work

RCV policies typically pay in two checks:

1. Initial payment (ACV amount) — The replacement cost minus depreciation, paid after approval
2. Recoverable depreciation — The depreciation amount, paid after you complete repairs and submit the invoice

This two-check system ensures homeowners actually complete repairs rather than pocketing the money.

Understanding Your Deductible

Your deductible is your out-of-pocket cost before insurance kicks in. Texas and Louisiana commonly have:

• Flat deductibles — A fixed amount like $1,000 or $2,500
• Percentage deductibles — 1-2% of your home's insured value (common for wind/hail in Texas)
• Separate wind/hail deductibles — A higher deductible specifically for wind and hail claims

Important: On a $400,000 home with a 2% hail deductible, your out-of-pocket cost is $8,000—not $2,500. Many homeowners are surprised by percentage deductibles.

Common Policy Exclusions

Watch for these exclusions that can limit your coverage:

• Cosmetic damage exclusions — Some policies won't cover hail damage that doesn't affect function
• Age limitations — Older roofs may only receive ACV payment regardless of policy type
• Material restrictions — Some policies limit replacement to same materials, even if no longer available
• Code upgrade exclusions — If building codes require upgrades, some policies won't cover the additional cost

The Insurance Claims Process

Here's the step-by-step process for filing and managing a roof insurance claim, based on our experience with 200+ claims.

Step 1: Document the Damage

Before doing anything else, document the damage:

• Take photos from ground level and (if safely accessible) up close
• Photograph damaged shingles, dented gutters, and any interior damage
• Note the date of the storm event
• Take video walking around your property
• Document damage to other property (fence, AC unit, vehicles) as evidence of storm severity

Step 2: Contact Your Roofing Contractor First

Before calling your insurance company, have a reputable roofing contractor inspect your roof. A contractor can:

• Confirm whether you have legitimate storm damage worth claiming
• Document damage professionally for the insurance company
• Advise whether filing makes sense given your roof's age and policy type
• Provide a repair estimate for comparison with the adjuster's assessment

Step 3: File Your Claim

Contact your insurance company to open a claim. You'll need:

• Your policy number
• Date of the storm/damage
• Description of the damage
• Your contact information

The insurance company will assign a claim number and schedule an adjuster visit.

Step 4: The Adjuster Inspection

An insurance adjuster will visit your property to assess damage. Your contractor should be present for this inspection.

During the inspection:

• The adjuster will get on the roof (or use drone/photos) to assess damage
• Your contractor can point out damage the adjuster might miss
• Both parties should agree on what damage exists, even if they differ on repair costs
• Take your own photos during the inspection as documentation

Step 5: Review the Initial Estimate

After the inspection, your insurance company will send an estimate detailing:

• Scope of damage they're covering
• Line-item costs for materials and labor
• Depreciation amount (for RCV policies)
• Your deductible
• Total payment amount

Have your contractor review this estimate carefully. Initial estimates are often incomplete or use prices below actual market rates.

Step 6: The Supplement Process

If the initial estimate doesn't cover all necessary repairs, your contractor files a supplement—a formal request for additional payment. This is often the most important step in the claims process.

See our detailed supplement guide below →

Step 7: Approval and Repairs

Once you've received adequate approval (including any supplements):

• Sign a contract with your contractor
• Deposit the initial insurance check (first payment)
• Schedule the installation
• After completion, submit the final invoice to recover depreciation (RCV policies)

Timeline Expectations

Based on our project data, the median time from contract signing to completion for insurance claims is 80-90 days. This is significantly longer than cash projects due to adjuster scheduling and supplement negotiations.

Supplements: Getting Fair Payment

A supplement is a formal request to your insurance company for additional payment when the initial estimate doesn't fully cover repairs. This is often where the difference between a good contractor and a mediocre one becomes clear.

Why Initial Estimates Are Often Low

Insurance adjusters frequently underestimate repairs for several reasons:

• Missed damage — Some damage isn't visible from the ground or even from a quick roof inspection
• Pricing databases — Insurance companies use pricing software (like Xactimate) with rates that may be below current market prices in your area
• Scope limitations — Adjusters may not include necessary items like code upgrades, underlayment, or starter strips
• Time pressure — Adjusters handling many claims may not catch everything

What Gets Supplemented

Common supplement items include:

• Additional damaged shingles not in original scope
• Rotted decking discovered during tear-off
• Code-required upgrades (ice & water shield, drip edge, ventilation)
• Price differences between insurance database and actual market rates
• Steep pitch or difficult access charges
• Material upgrades required to match existing (discontinued styles)

Our Supplement Results

The Supplement Process

1. Identify discrepancies — Compare the insurance estimate to actual repair requirements
2. Document everything — Photos, measurements, code requirements, and market pricing
3. Submit formal request — Send supplement with supporting documentation to the adjuster
4. Negotiate — Discuss line items, provide additional evidence if requested
5. Revised estimate — Insurance issues updated payment if supplement is approved

This process can take 2-6 weeks depending on the adjuster's workload and the complexity of the supplement.

Red Flags & Pitfalls to Avoid

The insurance claims process attracts bad actors. Watch for these warning signs:

Storm Chaser Warning Signs

• Door-to-door salespeople after storms — Legitimate contractors don't need to knock on doors
• Out-of-state license plates — Contractors who follow storms may not be around for warranty issues
• Pressure to sign immediately — "Sign today before the price goes up" is a red flag
• Offering to "cover your deductible" — This is insurance fraud; run away
• No local office or references — If you can't verify their local presence, don't trust them

Signs of a Lowball Estimate

Your insurance estimate may be too low if:

• It only covers partial roof area when damage is widespread
• Essential items are missing (underlayment, drip edge, flashing)
• Labor rates are significantly below local market prices
• Code-required items aren't included
• Your contractor's estimate is substantially higher for the same scope

Your Rights as a Policyholder

Know your rights:

• You choose your contractor — Your insurance company cannot force you to use their "preferred" vendor
• You can request re-inspection — If you disagree with the adjuster's findings
• You can file a complaint — Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) and Louisiana Department of Insurance (LDI) handle complaints
• You can hire a public adjuster — If negotiations stall, you have options
• You have time to file — Generally 1 year from the storm date, though check your policy

When to Hire a Public Adjuster

A public adjuster is an independent claims professional who works for you (not the insurance company) to negotiate your claim. They're licensed by the state and typically charge 10-15% of the claim value.

Consider a Public Adjuster When:

• Your claim has been denied and you believe it shouldn't have been
• You have significant damage but can't agree on scope with the adjuster
• Supplements have been repeatedly denied despite legitimate damage
• You're dealing with a catastrophic loss (major hurricane, fire)
• You don't have time or expertise to manage a complex claim

When You May NOT Need One:

• Your contractor handles claims and supplements effectively (most good contractors do)
• Your claim is straightforward with clear damage
• The initial estimate is close to actual repair costs
• You have a good relationship with your adjuster

Texas Insurance Claims: The Hail Market

Texas leads the nation in hail damage claims. The state's unique weather patterns and insurance landscape create specific considerations.

Texas-Specific Factors

• Hail frequency — Texas averages more hail events than any other state, especially in "Hail Alley" (DFW, Austin, San Antonio corridor)
• Percentage deductibles — Many Texas policies have 1-2% wind/hail deductibles rather than flat amounts
• Cosmetic damage exclusions — Some Texas policies exclude hail damage that doesn't affect functionality
• Market-based pricing — Insurance databases often lag behind actual Texas market rates

Impact-Resistant Shingle Benefits

Texas insurers often offer 10-28% premium discounts for Class 4 impact-resistant shingles. When your roof is replaced due to hail damage, upgrading to impact-resistant materials can:

• Reduce future hail damage
• Lower your insurance premiums
• Pay for itself over the roof's lifetime

Read our complete Texas claims guide →

Louisiana Insurance Claims: The Hurricane Market

Louisiana's insurance market has been challenging since Hurricane Katrina. Understanding the current landscape helps you navigate claims effectively.

Louisiana-Specific Factors

• Carrier instability — Several insurers have left Louisiana or gone insolvent; know your carrier's stability
• Hurricane deductibles — Separate (often higher) deductibles apply to named storm damage
• Citizens Insurance — The state's insurer of last resort covers many Louisiana homeowners
• FORTIFIED discounts — Louisiana mandates insurance discounts (20-52%) for FORTIFIED-certified roofs

FORTIFIED: Your Best Louisiana Investment

When replacing your roof after a hurricane claim, strongly consider FORTIFIED certification. Benefits include:

• Mandatory insurance premium discounts (20-52% on wind premium)
• Enhanced protection against future storms
• Potential LDI grant funding (when available)
• Higher resale value

In our Louisiana market, 72% of the roofs we install are FORTIFIED-certified because the insurance savings typically exceed the upgrade cost within 3-5 years.

Learn about FORTIFIED roofing costs →

Find Storm Damage Help Near You

We help homeowners navigate insurance claims across Texas and Louisiana.

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