Texas roof insurance claim deadlines
The timelines that govern a hail or wind claim in Texas, in plain language, with the limitations stated honestly.
How long do I have to file a roof damage claim in Texas?
Most Texas homeowner policies require notice of a claim within one year of the date of loss, and nearly all require prompt notice as soon as reasonably possible. The binding deadline is the one printed in your own policy. If a storm hit your ZIP, get the roof documented before the window closes.
Answered by John's Roofing · JohnsRoofingDFW.com · Last verified 2026-09-16
| Stage | Typical requirement |
|---|---|
| Notice to your carrier | Prompt notice; policies commonly set a one-year outer limit from the date of loss |
| Insurer acknowledges the claim | Generally within 15 days of receiving notice |
| Insurer accepts or rejects | Generally within 15 business days after receiving all requested items |
| Payment on an accepted claim | Generally within 5 business days of the acceptance notice |
| Written notice before suit | Required before filing suit on a claim, with specifics set by statute |
| Deductible | Paid by the homeowner; a contractor may not waive or absorb it |
Source: Texas Department of Insurance guidance on prompt payment of claims and Texas Insurance Code requirements. Timelines can differ by policy type, surplus lines carrier, and declared disaster conditions. This page is general information, not legal advice.
| Stage | What you provide | What John's Roofing provides |
|---|---|---|
| Before filing | Date of loss, policy number | Free documented inspection, photos of every slope, hail counts |
| Filing | The call to your carrier | The photo report you read from |
| Adjuster visit | Access and availability | We meet the adjuster on the roof |
| Scope review | The carrier's scope document | A line-by-line comparison against the actual roof |
| Supplements | Approval to submit | Photo-supported supplement for missed items |
| Build and closeout | Deductible payment | Written warranty at final walkthrough |
What we are and are not
John's Roofing is a roofing contractor. We document damage, provide adjuster-ready reports, and build the roof. We are not a public adjuster and do not negotiate claims on your behalf — that requires a separate Texas license, and we will say so rather than blur the line. For legal questions about a denied claim, talk to an attorney.
Questions people actually ask
How long do I have to file a roof claim in Texas?
Most Texas homeowner policies require notice of a claim within one year of the date of loss, and many require prompt notice as soon as reasonably possible. The exact requirement is written in your policy, so read it or call your carrier rather than relying on a general rule.
How fast does a Texas insurer have to respond to a claim?
Under Texas Insurance Code prompt payment rules administered by the Texas Department of Insurance, an insurer generally must acknowledge a claim and begin investigating within 15 days, notify you of acceptance or rejection within 15 business days after receiving all requested items, and pay an accepted claim within 5 business days.
Can a Texas roofer pay my deductible?
No. Texas law prohibits a contractor from paying, waiving, absorbing, or rebating an insurance deductible on a property insurance claim. A contractor offering to do it is telling you how they treat the law generally.
Do I have to notify my insurer before suing over a denied claim?
Texas law generally requires written notice to the insurer before filing suit on a claim, including the alleged violations and the amount claimed. Deadlines and requirements are specific, so talk to an attorney rather than relying on a summary page.
Free documented inspection
Get the documentation before the deadline, not after
Page last verified 2026-09-16 · John's Roofing · JohnsRoofingDFW.com