Roof Insurance Claim in Lubbock: What Happens Next?

Once you report roof damage, Texas law puts your insurer on a clock: it must acknowledge the claim, inspect, decide, and pay within set deadlines. An adjuster will look at the roof and write an estimate. If you have replacement-cost coverage, the money usually comes in two payments, with the second released after the work is underway. Your job is to keep records, be available, pay your deductible, and choose the roofer yourself.

Step 1: Report it and start a file

Call your agent or insurer, or use its app, as soon as you know there is damage. Keep one folder, paper or digital, with:

• the claim number and the adjuster's name and contact details;
• your photos from the ground and inside the house;
• receipts for tarps or other temporary repairs;
• notes of every call: date, who you spoke to, what was said.

The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) recommends recording the damage with photos and video, taking reasonable steps to prevent more damage, and keeping a list of what the insurer asks you for (TDI).

Step 2: The insurer's deadlines

TDI summarizes the deadlines Texas insurers must meet (TDI):

• 15 business days to acknowledge your claim, start its review and ask for what it needs;
• 15 business days after it has what it needs to tell you whether it will pay; a denial must be explained in writing;
• 45 more days if it tells you why it needs more time;
• 15 more days that TDI can add after a weather-related catastrophe, such as a widespread hailstorm;
• 5 business days to pay once it agrees to pay all or part of the claim.

If a mortgage lender is named on the check, TDI says the lender must contact you within 10 days of receiving the payment.

Step 3: The adjuster's inspection

TDI suggests being home for the adjuster's visit and pointing out all the damage you know about (TDI). Have your photos and the dates ready. You can ask the adjuster which slopes were inspected and when you'll receive the written estimate.

Step 4: Read the estimate and your policy together

Two policy terms decide how much of the roof is paid for.

Replacement cost or actual cash value. TDI explains that some policies pay up to the full cost to repair a roof at current prices, while actual cash value coverage pays less for an older or worn roof (TDI). Many policies also adjust payouts by roof age and material (TDI).

Your wind and hail deductible. TDI notes this deductible is often higher than the one for other damage. Find the figure on your declarations page before you budget.

TDI adds two more points: insurers won't pay for a new roof just because the old one is worn out, and an insurer might not pay to replace the whole roof just because new shingles don't match the old ones. If you disagree with the amount, TDI's advice is to contact your insurer or agent and send supporting documents.

Step 5: The two payments and your deductible

With replacement-cost coverage, TDI says the first check is a partial payment and the rest is sent after you've started repairs. Texas law ties that second payment to your deductible: under Insurance Code §707.004, the insurer may hold back the withheld depreciation until it has reasonable proof that you paid your deductible, such as a canceled check, money order receipt or card statement.

You must pay that deductible. Section 707.002 says so directly, and Business & Commerce Code §27.02 makes it a crime for a contractor to waive, absorb or rebate it without the insurer's consent. Pay the roofer by check or card so you have the proof.

Step 6: Choose your roofer and keep the roles straight

TDI suggests getting bids from more than one contractor and sharing the insurer's estimate with them. A roofer's job is to inspect, explain the work and do it. Texas law draws a line there: under Insurance Code §4102.163, a contractor may not act as a public adjuster or advertise to adjust claims on a property it is working on or may work on. The claim stays between you and your insurer.

For bid comparison, see our new roof cost guide and the questions to ask a Lubbock roofer. If the storm just happened, start with after a hailstorm.

Common questions

How long does a roof claim take in Texas?

It depends on the claim, but the insurer has to meet the deadlines above. After a big hailstorm, TDI can extend them by 15 days.

Why did I get only part of the money?

With replacement-cost coverage, the first check is usually partial. The rest is typically released after work starts and, under Texas law, the insurer can wait for proof that you paid your deductible.

Can my roofer talk to the adjuster?

Ask your insurer whether your roofer can be there for the adjuster's inspection. Texas law bars a contractor from acting as your public adjuster, so coverage questions stay with you and your insurer.

Does filing a claim affect my premium?

Ask your agent before you file. TDI notes insurers inspect roofs when you apply for coverage and can add new exclusions at renewal, so it is worth asking how a claim is treated on your policy.

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