Your roof took a hit. You called your insurance company. They're sending an adjuster. Now what?
This is the part where a lot of Dallas-Fort Worth homeowners lose money — not because their claim gets denied, but because they don't know what to expect from the process, and they end up accepting a payout that doesn't cover the actual cost of repairs.
Here's how the storm damage claim process works in Texas, and what you can do to make sure you come out of it fairly.
How the process works (the short version)
You report damage. Insurance sends an adjuster. The adjuster inspects your property, writes up an estimate, and your insurance company sends you a check based on that estimate, minus your deductible.
Simple enough on paper. In practice, there are a few places where things go sideways.
Know your deductible before you file
In Texas, your wind and hail deductible is usually separate from your standard deductible. And it's often a percentage — typically 1% or 2% of your home's insured value — rather than a flat amount.
So if your home is insured for $350,000 and you have a 2% wind/hail deductible, you're paying $7,000 out of pocket before insurance covers anything. That's a number worth knowing before you file, because if your damage is minor, it might not meet that threshold.
On the other hand, if a major hailstorm came through and your whole roof needs replacing, that $7,000 deductible against a $15,000–$25,000 roof replacement is still very much worth filing for.
The adjuster visit is the most important part
When the insurance adjuster comes to your property, they're going to spend somewhere between 30 minutes and a couple hours assessing damage. This single visit largely determines how much money you get.
A few things that will help you here:
Be present. Don't just hand them the keys and leave. Walk the property with them. Point out everything you documented after the storm.
Have your own inspection done first. If a reputable local inspector has already assessed your roof, you'll have an independent estimate to compare against the adjuster's. If the numbers are wildly different, that's a conversation worth having.
Ask your inspector or roofer to be there. A good roofer who knows what hail damage looks like on your specific type of roof can point out things the adjuster might overlook. This isn't adversarial — adjusters handle hundreds of claims and sometimes things get missed. Having an extra set of knowledgeable eyes helps.
Point out the collateral damage. If your gutters are dented, your AC unit has dings, your fence is marked up, and your window screens are torn — that's all evidence of the same hailstorm that hit your roof. Adjusters look for consistent patterns. The more supporting evidence, the stronger your claim.
What to do if the estimate seems low
It happens. The adjuster's estimate comes back and it doesn't cover what your contractor quoted for repairs. Before you panic, understand that a first estimate isn't necessarily final.
You have a few options in Texas:
Request a re-inspection. If you believe the adjuster missed damage, you can ask your insurance company to send someone out again. Having a detailed report from your own inspector makes this request much stronger.
Invoke the appraisal clause. Most Texas homeowners policies include an appraisal clause. If you and your insurer can't agree on the amount of loss, either side can demand an appraisal. Each side picks an appraiser, those two pick an umpire, and the panel determines the payout. It's not a lawsuit — it's a process built into your policy.
Talk to the Texas Department of Insurance. TDI has a consumer helpline and complaint process. If you think your insurer is acting in bad faith, this is the state agency that oversees them.
What you probably don't need (at least not right away) is a public adjuster or an attorney. Those options exist for genuine disputes, but for most straightforward hail claims in DFW, good documentation and a willingness to push back are usually enough.
The contractor question
At some point, you need to pick someone to actually do the repairs. A few ground rules for Texas:
Anyone who offers to cover your deductible is breaking the law. Texas Insurance Code Section 707.002 makes it illegal for a contractor to pay, waive, or rebate your deductible. If someone offers this, walk away.
Get at least two or three quotes. Compare them against the insurance estimate. Your insurance company has to pay for the damage, but you get to choose who does the work.
Check licenses and insurance. Texas doesn't have a statewide roofing license, but many DFW cities require local permits and registrations. Verify them. Ask for proof of liability insurance and workers' comp. Get references from jobs they've done in your area — not just anywhere, but in your part of DFW.
Your timeline matters
Most Texas homeowners insurance policies require you to file a claim within one year of the damage. Some policies are tighter. Don't wait until month 11 to start the process.
That said, don't rush either. A claim filed with good documentation two weeks after the storm is worth much more than a panicked call the day of with no photos and no inspection.
The bottom line
Filing a storm damage claim in Texas isn't complicated, but it rewards preparation. Document your damage thoroughly. Know your deductible. Be present for the adjuster. Get an independent assessment. And don't let anyone — your insurance company, a contractor, or a stranger who knocked on your door — rush you into something that doesn't feel right.
If you're in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and want help understanding what's going on with your property after a storm, that's what we do. We help you document damage, understand the process, and connect with professionals who will treat you fairly. No contractor pitch. No insurance runaround. Just straight answers.