Homeowner's Guide Roof Storm Damage in San Antonio
Everything you need to know about filing a roof damage claim in Texas. How the process works, what your policy covers, what to do if your claim is denied, and how Legacy provides professional documentation at no cost to you.
In this guide:How It WorksWhat's CoveredACV vs RCVDenied ClaimsYour RightsCommon MistakesFAQRelated Articles See It In Action Watch How We Handle Storm Damage Restoration
How the Roof Storm Damage Process Works
Most homeowners have never filed a roof claim before. Here is exactly what happens from start to finish, and where we help at each step.
Step 1: Get a Professional Inspection
Before calling your insurance company, get a free inspection from a local roofer (like us). We document every detail with photos, measurements, and a written assessment. This gives you documentation for your claim and ensures nothing gets missed.
Free: We handle this Step 2: File the Claim
Call your insurance company's claims line (the number is on your policy card). Report the date of the storm, describe the damage, and mention you have a professional inspection report. They will assign a claim number and schedule an adjuster visit.
You make the call, we coach you Step 3: Adjuster Inspection (We Meet Them)
The insurance adjuster visits your property to assess damage. This is the most important step. We meet the adjuster on-site, walk the roof with them, point out all documented damage, and ensure nothing is overlooked. This step alone can make a difference of thousands of dollars on your claim.
Free: We handle this Step 4: Review the Estimate
Your insurance company sends a written estimate (called a 'scope of loss'). We compare it to our own professional assessment to identify any differences in scope, materials, or code-required upgrades. If we find items that are not covered, we prepare documentation to support a supplement request.
Free: We handle this Step 5: Supplement if Needed
If the initial estimate does not include all necessary work (which is common), we prepare additional documentation with photos, material specifications, and code requirements to support a supplement request. This is a normal part of the process.
Free: We handle this Step 6: Repairs or Replacement
Once approved, we schedule the work. You pay your deductible, insurance covers the rest. If your policy is RCV (most are), the remaining depreciation is released after work is completed. We coordinate the entire timeline and handle all the details.
You pay your deductible only What Does Your Insurance Actually Cover?
Typically Covered
- Hail damage (functional and sometimes cosmetic)
- Wind damage (missing shingles, lifted panels)
- Fallen tree or branch damage
- Fire and lightning damage
- Tornado damage
- Emergency tarping to prevent further damage
- Code-required upgrades during repair
- Interior damage caused by roof failure
Typically NOT Covered
- Normal wear and tear (aging roof)
- Lack of maintenance damage
- Cosmetic-only damage (some policies)
- Pre-existing damage before storm
- Flood damage (requires separate flood policy)
- Manufacturer defects (warranty issue, not insurance)
- Damage from improper previous repairs
- Gradual deterioration
Watch Out: Cosmetic Damage Exclusions
Some Texas insurers have added "cosmetic damage exclusions" to their policies. This means they will not cover hail dents that don't affect the roof's function. If you have this exclusion, it is important to have a professional determine whether your damage is truly cosmetic or functional. What looks cosmetic to an untrained eye may actually be functional damage. We can assess this during our free inspection.
ACV vs. RCV: Understanding Your Payout
How much you receive from your claim depends largely on whether your policy is ACV or RCV. Here is the difference and why it matters.
ACV: Actual Cash Value
Insurance pays the depreciated value of your roof. If your 15-year-old roof needs replacement, they pay what a 15-year-old roof is worth, not the cost of a new one.
Example:
New roof cost: $15,000
Depreciation (15 years): -$7,500
Your deductible: -$3,000
Insurance pays: $4,500
You pay out of pocket: $10,500
RCV: Replacement Cost Value
MOST COMMON Insurance pays the full cost to replace your roof with equivalent new materials, regardless of age. This is the better policy type and is the standard in Texas.
Example:
New roof cost: $15,000
Depreciation: $0 (not applied)
Your deductible: -$3,000
Insurance pays: $12,000
You pay out of pocket: $3,000
RCV Payment Comes in Two Parts
With RCV policies, you typically get the ACV amount first (after deductible), then the remaining "recoverable depreciation" after repairs are completed and documented. This is why it is critical to actually complete the repairs and submit the final invoice to your insurance company. If you do not complete the work, you only receive the initial ACV payment.
What to Do If Your Claim Is Denied
A claim denial does not mean the end of the road. Many denied claims are successfully overturned. Here is what to do.
1. Request the Written Denial Reason
Your insurance company should provide a specific written reason for denial. Common reasons include: insufficient evidence of storm damage, pre-existing damage, maintenance-related issues, or cosmetic exclusion clauses. Knowing the exact reason helps you understand your options.
2. Get a Second Professional Inspection
If the denial was based on the adjuster's findings, getting an independent professional inspection can provide counter-evidence. We document damage with detailed photos and measurements that may contradict the adjuster's assessment.
3. Request a Re-Inspection
You have the right to request a re-inspection with a different adjuster. When the re-inspection happens, we meet the new adjuster on-site with our documentation and walk through every piece of damage.
4. File a Formal Appeal
Submit a written appeal with your professional inspection report, additional photos, and any supporting evidence. Reference the specific denial reason and explain why the damage qualifies for coverage.
5. Contact the Texas Department of Insurance
If you believe your claim was unfairly denied, you can file a complaint with the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI). They investigate complaints and can compel insurers to re-evaluate claims.
6. Consider a Public Adjuster or Attorney
For large claims or persistent denials, a public adjuster (who works for you, not the insurance company) or an insurance attorney can advocate on your behalf. They typically work on contingency, meaning no upfront cost.
Your Rights as a Texas Homeowner
Choose Your Own Contractor
You are never required to use your insurance company's 'preferred' contractor. You have the legal right to hire any licensed contractor you choose.
No Rate Increases for Weather Claims
Texas law prohibits insurers from raising your rates solely because you filed a weather-related claim. Storm damage is an act of God, not negligence.
Prompt Payment Required
Texas Insurance Code requires your insurer to accept or reject your claim within 15 business days of receiving all information, and pay accepted claims within 5 business days.
Right to Appeal
You have the right to appeal any denial or underpayment. You can request re-inspection, involve the Texas Department of Insurance, or hire a public adjuster.
Deductible Waivers Are Illegal
Any contractor who offers to 'waive your deductible' or 'pay it for you' is committing insurance fraud under Texas law. This is a major storm chaser red flag.
Learn more about the HB 2102 Deductible Law →Written Estimate Required
Your insurance company should provide a detailed written estimate (scope of loss) that itemizes covered damage. If you have questions about any line item, you can discuss it with your adjuster or contact TDI.
Common Mistakes That Hurt Your Claim
1 Waiting too long to file
Most Texas policies require claims within 1 year. But the real risk is secondary damage (mold, wood rot, interior damage) that develops quickly and complicates the claim. File within 30 days.
2 Not documenting damage before cleanup
If you clean up debris or make temporary repairs before photographing everything, you lose evidence. Document first, then mitigate. Your phone's timestamp proves when photos were taken.
3 Not being present for the adjuster visit
If no one is there to point out damage, the adjuster may miss it. Having your roofer there to walk the roof with the adjuster is the single biggest thing you can do to improve your claim outcome.
4 Accepting the first estimate without review
Initial estimates are often low. Have your roofer review the scope of loss line by line. Supplementing is normal and expected. Don't leave money on the table.
5 Hiring a storm chaser
Storm chasers often do subpar work, use cheap materials, and disappear. If problems arise later, you have no recourse. Hire a local contractor with a track record in your community.
6 Not completing repairs (RCV policies)
With RCV policies, you only get the full payout after repairs are done. If you take the initial ACV check and don't complete the work, you forfeit the recoverable depreciation, which can be thousands of dollars.
Storm Damage FAQ
Does my homeowners insurance cover a new roof?
It depends on the cause. If your roof was damaged by a covered peril (hail, wind, fallen tree, fire), then yes, your insurance should cover repair or replacement minus your deductible. If your roof is simply old and worn out, that is considered normal wear and tear, which is not covered. The key difference is 'sudden event' vs. 'gradual deterioration.' Storm damage is a sudden event and is typically fully covered.
How much is my deductible for a roof claim in Texas?
Most Texas homeowner policies have wind/hail deductibles of 1% or 2% of your home's insured value. For a home insured at $300,000, that is $3,000 to $6,000. Some older policies still have flat deductibles ($1,000 or $2,500). Check your policy declarations page for the specific amount. Important: anyone who offers to 'waive' or 'cover' your deductible is breaking Texas law.
How long does a roof damage claim take in Texas?
The typical timeline is: filing to adjuster visit (5-15 days), adjuster visit to initial decision (7-30 days), approval to repair completion (2-6 weeks depending on scope and weather). Total timeline is usually 4-10 weeks from filing to finished roof. We help move the process along at every step and keep you updated on the timeline.
What if the insurance estimate is too low?
This happens frequently. Insurance adjusters may miss hidden damage, use lower-cost materials in their estimate, or undercount the scope. We prepare additional documentation to support a supplement request: photos of damage that was not included, manufacturer specifications requiring certain materials, code upgrade requirements, and detailed repair scopes. Supplements are a normal part of the process, not adversarial.
Should I get my own roof inspection before calling insurance?
Absolutely yes. Having a professional inspection before you file gives you two advantages: (1) you know the full scope of damage before the conversation starts, and (2) you have independent documentation to compare against the adjuster's findings. Our inspections are always free and come with detailed photo documentation.
Can I choose my own roofing contractor or does insurance choose?
You always have the right to choose your own contractor in Texas. Your insurance company may have a 'preferred vendor' list, but you are never required to use their contractors. We recommend choosing a local contractor you trust who has experience working with storm damage restoration. We have been doing this since 1999 and know how to work with every major carrier.
What is ACV vs. RCV on my roof claim?
ACV (Actual Cash Value) means the insurance pays the depreciated value of your roof. RCV (Replacement Cost Value) means they pay the full cost to replace it with equivalent new materials. Most Texas homeowner policies are RCV, which is better for you. With RCV policies, you typically receive an initial ACV payment, then the remaining 'recoverable depreciation' after repairs are completed. This is why it is important to actually complete the repairs.
Will filing a roof claim raise my insurance rates?
In Texas, insurance companies cannot raise your rates solely because of a weather-related claim. However, some carriers consider your overall claims history at renewal. One weather claim rarely affects your rates. Multiple claims in a short period might. If you have legitimate storm damage, filing a claim is still the right move. That is what you pay premiums for.
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Read articleImportant Disclaimer
Legacy Home Improvements is a licensed roofing contractor, not a public adjuster or insurance advisor. The information on this page is provided for general educational purposes only and should not be construed as insurance advice, claims guidance, or legal counsel. We do not interpret insurance policies, negotiate claim settlements, or advise homeowners on insurance matters. For questions about your specific policy, coverage, or claim, please contact your insurance company or a licensed public adjuster directly. Texas Insurance Code Chapter 4102 governs the practice of public adjusting in Texas.
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