Roofing Insurance FAQ

After a hail storm or severe wind event, you may notice visible signs of damage from the ground such as missing shingles, dented gutters, or granules collecting in your downspouts. However, much of the damage caused by hail and wind is not visible from ground level and can only be identified by a trained inspector on the roof.

Greenleaf Roofing offers free storm damage inspections. Our experienced inspectors will climb your roof, document any damage with detailed photographs, and provide you with an honest assessment of whether the damage warrants filing an insurance claim. There is never any obligation or cost for this inspection.

Filing a roof damage insurance claim starts with contacting your insurance company to report the damage. You will be given a claim number and assigned an adjuster. Most Texas homeowner's insurance policies have a one-year window from the date of the storm to file a claim, but it is always best to act promptly.

At Greenleaf Roofing, we guide you through every step. After our free inspection confirms storm damage, we provide you with a detailed damage report and photos to submit with your claim. We also help you understand exactly what to say when you call your insurance company to file.

After you file your claim, your insurance company will send an adjuster to inspect the damage. The adjuster's job is to assess the extent of the damage and determine what the insurance company will cover. This is one of the most important steps in the entire claims process.

Greenleaf Roofing will have a representative on-site during the adjuster's inspection at no cost to you. Our representative will walk the roof with the adjuster to ensure all areas of damage are identified and properly documented. Having a knowledgeable roofing professional present often results in a more thorough and accurate assessment, as adjusters working alone sometimes miss damage that our team identifies.

Your deductible is the amount you are responsible for paying before your insurance coverage kicks in. In Texas, most homeowner's policies have either a flat dollar amount deductible (such as $1,000 or $2,500) or a percentage-based deductible (typically 1% or 2% of your home's insured value).

For an approved insurance claim, your out-of-pocket cost is typically limited to your deductible. The insurance company pays the remainder of the replacement or repair cost. It is important to note that Texas law prohibits contractors from waiving or absorbing your deductible. Any contractor who offers to pay your deductible is breaking the law.

Most Texas homeowner's insurance policies cover roof damage caused by sudden, accidental events including hail, wind, fallen trees and debris, fire, and lightning. These are known as "covered perils" in your policy.

Damage caused by normal wear and tear, lack of maintenance, or gradual deterioration is generally not covered by insurance. This is why it is important to have storm damage inspected promptly. If you wait too long, the insurance company may argue that the damage was caused by aging or neglect rather than the storm.

The timeline varies depending on your insurance company, the severity of the storm, and how many claims they are processing at the same time. In general, you can expect the following timeline: your insurance company has 15 days to acknowledge your claim, the adjuster typically inspects within 1 to 3 weeks of filing, and you should receive the initial settlement within 5 to 10 business days after the adjuster's inspection.

Once your claim is approved and materials are selected, most residential roof replacements are completed in 1 to 2 days. The entire process from initial inspection to completed installation typically takes 4 to 8 weeks, though major storm events can extend timelines due to high claim volumes.

A supplement is an additional claim filed with your insurance company when damage or necessary work is discovered that was not included in the original adjuster's estimate. Supplements are a normal and common part of the roofing claims process.

Common reasons for supplements include rotted decking discovered during tear-off, damaged flashing or pipe boots not visible during the initial inspection, code upgrade requirements, and additional damage found under the existing roofing material. Greenleaf Roofing handles all supplement paperwork on your behalf at no additional cost. We document the additional damage with photos and submit it directly to your insurance company.

Depreciation is the reduction in value of your roof due to age and wear. When your insurance company approves your claim, they may issue the payment in two parts. The first payment is the Actual Cash Value (ACV), which is the replacement cost minus depreciation. The second payment, called the recoverable depreciation, is released after the work is completed.

For example, if the total replacement cost is $15,000 and the depreciation is $3,000, your initial payment would be $12,000 minus your deductible. After the roof is installed and the insurance company confirms completion, they release the remaining $3,000 in recoverable depreciation. Greenleaf Roofing helps you understand and navigate this payment structure throughout the entire process.

Choosing the right contractor for your insurance claim is one of the most important decisions you will make. Unfortunately, major storm events attract storm-chasing companies that appear in the area, collect payments, do substandard work, and disappear before problems surface.

Look for a contractor that is locally owned and has been in the DFW area for multiple years, is licensed and insured in the state of Texas, is certified by major manufacturers like GAF and CertainTeed, has strong reviews on Google, Facebook, and HomeAdvisor, is BBB Accredited, and will meet with your insurance adjuster at no charge. Greenleaf Roofing meets all of these criteria and has been serving the DFW community since 2013.

Yes. If your roof is actively leaking or has sustained damage that leaves the interior of your home exposed to the elements, Greenleaf Roofing provides 24-hour emergency tarping and temporary repair services. Emergency tarping prevents further water damage to your home's interior while the insurance claim and permanent repair are being processed.

Most homeowner's insurance policies cover the cost of emergency tarping as part of the claim, so there is typically no additional out-of-pocket expense for this service. Call us immediately at (972) 379-9109 if you have an active leak or emergency roof damage.

It is a good idea to take photos of any visible damage from the ground or inside your home as soon as it is safe to do so. Document dented gutters, missing shingles, water stains on ceilings, debris on the roof, and any other visible evidence. Take photos with timestamps if possible.

However, you should never climb on your roof yourself to inspect damage, as it is dangerous and can void certain insurance provisions. Leave the detailed roof inspection to the professionals at Greenleaf Roofing. Our inspectors have the training, equipment, and experience to safely and thoroughly document all storm damage on your roof.

This is one of the most common concerns we hear from homeowners. In Texas, insurance companies generally cannot raise your premiums solely because you filed a weather-related claim, as the damage was not caused by your negligence. However, insurance pricing is complex and varies by carrier.

Keep in mind that failing to repair documented storm damage can actually put you at greater risk. Your insurance company could deny future claims if they determine that unrepaired damage contributed to new problems. Greenleaf Roofing always provides an honest assessment and helps you make an informed decision about whether filing a claim is in your best interest.

Yes. Fire damage to a roof is a covered peril under most homeowner's and commercial property insurance policies, and Greenleaf Roofing provides full fire damage roof restoration services. Whether damage was caused by a house fire, a wildfire, a lightning strike, or a neighboring structure fire, our team can assess the damage, document it for your insurance claim, and complete the necessary repairs or full replacement.

Fire damage often compromises more than just the visible surface materials - structural decking, underlayment, insulation, and framing may all be affected. Our inspectors thoroughly evaluate all components and work directly with your insurance adjuster to ensure the full scope of damage is properly covered. Call us at (972) 379-9109 for immediate assistance after a fire event.

Absolutely. Flooding and water infiltration resulting from storm damage, roof failures, or severe weather events can cause significant damage to your roof system and the interior of your home or building. Greenleaf Roofing provides rapid-response roofing services to stop active leaks, install emergency tarping, and perform the structural repairs needed to prevent further water intrusion.

It is important to note that standard homeowner's insurance policies typically cover sudden water damage caused by storm events (wind-driven rain, roof penetrations from storm debris), but do not cover damage from ground-level flooding, which requires a separate flood insurance policy (NFIP or private flood coverage). Our team can help you document roof-related water damage for your claim and coordinate with your adjuster to ensure proper coverage is applied. If you have active water infiltration, do not wait - call us 24/7 at (972) 379-9109.