In North Texas, it isn’t a matter of if a hailstorm will hit your roof, but when. From DeSoto to Cedar Hill, our roofs face some of the most intense weather in the country. When the golf-ball-sized hail stops falling, the real headache often begins: the insurance claim.
At DeSoto Roofers, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners in the Best Southwest area navigate this process. Here is our step-by-step guide to getting your roof restored without the stress.
1. Don’t Wait for a Leak
Texas hail damage is often "invisible" from the ground. It bruises the shingle’s underlayment, which doesn't cause a leak today but will lead to wood rot in six months.
The Rule: If you saw hail larger than a marble, or if your neighbors are getting inspections, you need one too. Most insurance policies have a one-year limit from the date of the storm to file a claim.
2. Get a Professional Inspection Before Calling Insurance
Many homeowners call their insurance adjuster first. This is a mistake.
The Reason: If an adjuster comes out and doesn't find enough damage to hit your deductible, it still counts as a "claim" on your record.
The Fix: Have DeSoto Roofers perform a free, 21-point inspection. We will document the damage with photos so you know exactly what to tell your agent.
3. Review Your Deductible
In Texas, most policies have a specific Hail/Wind Deductible, which is usually a percentage of your home’s value (typically 1% or 2%).
Pro Tip: Beware of any contractor who offers to "waive" your deductible. In the State of Texas, this is illegal (HB 2102) and can lead to insurance fraud charges for the homeowner. A reputable pro will always work within the legal guidelines.
4. Meeting the Adjuster
When the insurance company sends their adjuster, we should be there too.
The Benefit: We act as your advocate. We make sure the adjuster sees every dented soft metal vent, every bruised shingle, and every damaged gutter. Having a professional roofer on the roof with the adjuster ensures nothing is "missed."
5. Understanding the "ACV" vs. "RCV" Check
Insurance usually sends two checks.
Check 1 (ACV): The Actual Cash Value (the depreciated value of your old roof).
Check 2 (Depreciation): Once the work is finished and we send the final invoice, they send the remaining funds.
Don't Panic: If the first check seems small, remember it’s just the "down payment" to get the project started.
If a storm just rolled through DeSoto, Lancaster, or Duncanville, let us help you protect your investment. We provide honest assessments and professional documentation to ensure your claim is handled fairly.
[Schedule Your Free Professional Storm Inspection Today]