A storm has passed, and you have found a roof leak. You want to stop the water and find out who will pay for the work. Start with safety, then contact your insurance company and arrange a roof inspection.
Your policy and the cause of the damage affect coverage. Good photos help explain what happened. They cannot promise that a claim will be paid.
Keep people safe and limit more damage
Stay away from fallen wires, wet electrical fixtures and sagging ceilings. Call 911 if there is an immediate threat to life. Stay off a wet or damaged roof.
If it is safe, move belongings away from a leak. Ask a roofer about temporary protection. Keep receipts for this work and take photos when safe. Do not put yourself at risk to gather evidence.
Report the damage promptly
Call your insurer or use its claim form or app. Give the date of the storm and describe what you found. Say when you are unsure of a detail.
Ask about your reporting deadline and what to do before repairs start. Do not wait for a full roof report if that would delay required notice. There is no single filing deadline that this guide can apply to every policy and type of claim.
The Texas Department of Insurance explains the claim steps . Keep the claim number and the name of your contact.
Save a clear record
Take photos from safe places on your own property. Wide shots show where the damage is. Close shots can show a broken shingle, dent or water stain.
Keep these items in one folder:
- The date you first saw the damage.
- Photos and any earlier roof records.
- Your inspection report and written estimate.
- Receipts for temporary repairs.
- Messages from your insurer and roofer.
You do not need a set number of photos. The goal is to show what happened clearly.
Have a roofer check the damage
A roofer can describe the roof’s condition and the work it needs. Ask for photos, an explanation of the findings and a written repair scope.
Cox Brothers Roofing provides roof inspections and repair estimates. We can explain our findings and the work in our quote. Your insurer decides what your policy covers.
Texas bars a contractor from acting as a public adjuster on a property where the contractor does or may do the work. We do not negotiate your settlement or speak for you on coverage. You can read the rule in Texas Insurance Code Section 4102.163 .
Read the payment details
Ask your insurer to explain the deductible, any limits and how roof age affects payment. The deductible is the part you pay on a covered claim. You may also owe costs your policy does not cover.
Some policies pay replacement cost, subject to their terms. Others subtract for age and wear, called depreciation. Some claims allow a later payment after repairs. Ask whether that applies to yours and what records are needed.
If you disagree with the decision
Ask your insurer for a written explanation. Point out missing facts and send any new records. A disagreement about repair cost can differ from a dispute about coverage.
Ask about the review options in your policy. You can also contact the Texas Department of Insurance for help. If you need someone to advise you on a dispute, consider a qualified attorney or a licensed public adjuster who can take the case.
Get help with the roof work
If you need a roof checked in Cuero, Victoria, Goliad or nearby, contact Cox Brothers Roofing . Call (361) 277-0014. We will explain the roof work so you can plan your next step.
