By StazOn Roofing — Protecting DFW Since 1980
—
Your roof just took a hit from a North Texas hailstorm. Maybe your neighbor already has a crew tearing off shingles. Maybe your insurance company sent a text about storm activity in your zip code.
Now what?
Filing a roof insurance claim in Dallas is straightforward — if you know the process. But homeowners who skip steps or rush through the process end up with denied claims, underpaid settlements, or contractors who disappear after cashing the insurance check.
We’ve helped thousands of DFW homeowners navigate insurance claims since 1980. Here’s the exact process we recommend.
Step 1: Document Everything Before You Call Anyone
Before you call your insurance company — before you call a roofer — document the damage yourself.
What to capture:
- Photos of your roof from the ground (zoom in on visible damage)
- Photos of dented gutters, downspouts, AC unit, window screens, and siding
- Photos of any interior water stains or leaks (https://www.stazonroof.com/water-stains-ceiling-leaks-dallas/)
- Note the date and approximate time of the storm
- Check your car for dents — same storm, same evidence
This baseline documentation protects you. If there’s ever a dispute about when the damage occurred, your timestamped photos are evidence.
Step 2: Get a Professional Roof Inspection
This is the most important step — and the one most homeowners get wrong.
Do NOT file a claim based on what you think you see from the ground. Get a qualified roofing contractor on your roof first. A legitimate contractor will:
- Walk every slope of your roof
- Mark test squares and count impacts per square
- Photograph all damage systematically
- Provide a written inspection report
- Tell you honestly whether the damage warrants a claim
At StazOn, our inspections are always free. We’ve been doing this for 46 years — our reputation depends on honest assessments, not inflated claims. Request a free inspection at https://www.stazonroof.com/request-service/.
Why inspect before filing? Because once you file a claim, it’s on your record — whether the claim is approved or not. If a contractor pushes you to file before inspecting, that’s a red flag. Legitimate contractors inspect first.
Step 3: File the Claim With Your Insurance Company
Once you have a professional inspection report showing legitimate damage, call your insurance company to open a claim.
What to have ready:
- Your policy number
- Date of the storm
- Your documentation photos
- Your contractor’s inspection report
- Your contractor’s name and license information
Your insurance company will assign a claim number and schedule an adjuster to inspect the roof — usually within 7–14 days.
Step 4: Be Present for the Adjuster’s Inspection
This is critical. When the insurance adjuster comes out, you — and ideally your roofing contractor — should be there.
Why? Because adjusters are human. They can miss things. They’re often handling dozens of claims after a major storm. Having your contractor on the roof with the adjuster ensures every area of damage gets documented.
A good contractor will walk the roof with the adjuster, point out damage in the test squares, and make sure nothing gets overlooked. This isn’t adversarial — it’s collaborative. Adjusters appreciate working with experienced contractors who speak their language.
Step 5: Review the Settlement Before Signing
After the adjuster’s inspection, your insurance company will send a settlement offer — called the Scope of Loss. This document itemizes what they’re willing to pay for.
Review it carefully with your contractor. Common issues to watch for:
- Missing line items (they approved the shingles but not the underlayment, flashing, or ridge caps)
- Incorrect measurements
- Material specifications that don’t match what’s actually on your roof
- Missing code upgrades required by current Dallas building codes
If the scope is short, your contractor can file a supplement — an itemized request for the missing items. This is standard practice and is done constantly in DFW.
Step 6: Choose Your Contractor Carefully
Your insurance company will pay for the roof replacement. You choose who installs it. This is your right under Texas law — never let anyone tell you otherwise.
What to look for:
- Established local presence — how long have they been in DFW? (https://www.stazonroof.com/)
- GAF Master Elite certification or equivalent manufacturer certifications
- Proper licensing and insurance (ask for certificates)
- No high-pressure tactics or demands for upfront payment
- Willingness to meet with your adjuster
Be especially cautious of storm chasers — out-of-town crews who flood into DFW after every major storm, knock on doors, and disappear after the check clears (https://www.stazonroof.com/storm-chaser-roofers-dallas/).
What NOT to Do
- Don’t sign an Assignment of Benefits (AOB) — this gives your contractor legal control of your claim. Keep control of your own claim.
- Don’t pay large deposits — a legitimate contractor doesn’t need thousands upfront before work begins.
- Don’t let anyone tell you to lie to your insurance company — ever. Insurance fraud is a felony in Texas.
- Don’t wait too long — most Texas policies require claims within one year of the damage. Some policies have shorter windows.
The Timeline
Here’s a realistic timeline for a DFW roof insurance claim:
- Day 1: Storm hits, you document damage
- Day 2–7: Professional inspection
- Day 7–14: File claim, adjuster scheduled
- Day 14–30: Adjuster inspects, settlement issued
- Day 30–45: Supplements filed if needed, materials ordered
- Day 45–60: Roof replacement completed
After major storms, this timeline can stretch. Adjusters get backed up. Materials get backordered. But a good contractor keeps the process moving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will filing a claim raise my insurance premiums?
A: In Texas, insurers cannot raise your premium solely for filing a weather-related claim. However, multiple claims across several years can affect your rates or renewability. This is why we recommend only filing when there’s documented, legitimate damage.
Q: What if my claim gets denied?
A: If your claim is denied and you believe the damage is real, you have options. You can request a re-inspection, hire a public adjuster, or consult an attorney. Your contractor’s documentation is your best leverage in a dispute.
Q: Do I have to use the contractor my insurance company recommends?
A: No. In Texas, you have the legal right to choose your own contractor. Insurance company referrals are not mandatory.
Q: How much will I pay out of pocket?
A: Typically, your out-of-pocket cost is your deductible. In DFW, most homeowner’s deductibles for wind/hail are 1%–2% of the home’s insured value.
