Texas Roof Insurance Claims: What to Know When Insurance Requires a New Roof

Why Is My Insurance Company Requiring A New Roof In Texas?

Texas insurers often require a roof replacement due to age, outdated materials, or storm-related wear. If your roof poses a coverage risk, they may deny or drop your policy unless it’s replaced. 

At Dolan Roofing & Construction, we’ve helped hundreds of Texas homeowners navigate insurance-required roof replacements. Our team understands the policies, paperwork, and local weather conditions that influence roof insurance claims in Texas. From initial inspections to coordinating with adjusters and meeting compliance standards, we walk you through every step so you’re never left guessing.

Roof insurance claim experts and roof replacement team by Dolan Roofing & Construction in San Antonio

Why Insurance Might Require a Roof Replacement?

When a roof poses too much risk for continued coverage, insurers may require a roof replacement. Sometimes, the first sign of a roofing issue isn’t a leak; it’s an unexpected letter from your insurance provider. 

Insurers may require you to replace your roof before they issue or continue homeowners insurance coverage. Typically, the risk falls into one of three categories:

  • Age: Most insurance providers have a cut-off for roof age, typically between 15 and 20 years. Older roofs are more prone to failure and harder to repair, which means they’re costlier for the provider to insure. 
  • Material: Some roofing materials, like wood shake, are no longer considered insurable in many areas due to poor storm resistance or fire risk. Depending on your policy, you may be required to upgrade to an impact-resistant material like asphalt shingles, tiles, or metal.
  • Inspection Findings: If you’ve filed a claim, changed carriers, or had an underwriter inspect your property, your roof may have been flagged as damaged or degraded, even if it’s not actively leaking.

Does Insurance Cover Roof Damage?

Most Texas homeowners’ insurance policies do cover roof storm damage, but only under specific conditions. Most of the time, damage is only covered if it was caused by a sudden and accidental event, which usually includes:

  • Hail or windstorms
  • Falling debris, such as tree branches
  • Fire or lightning strikes

What’s not covered is damage that builds up over time. Insurers generally won’t pay for issues related to:

  • Normal wear and tear
  • Poor installation or maintenance
  • Aging materials beyond their expected lifespan
Aerial drone view of residential roof showing damage for insurance claim by Dolan Roofing & Construction in San Antonio

Preparing for a Storm Damage Insurance Claim

A strong storm can do serious damage in short order. Filing your insurance claim quickly and correctly is the best way to make sure your repairs are covered. Here’s how to get ready before and after a storm.

Before the Storm:

  • Document your roof: Take annual photos of your roof and key exterior features like gutters and siding. This helps establish a clear “before” condition.
  • Schedule routine inspections: A professional inspection before storm season helps identify existing issues that insurers might later use to deny a claim.
  • Review your policy: Know what’s covered and what’s not. In Texas, many policies cover hail and wind damage, but there might be exceptions or limits.

After the Storm:

  • Act fast: Contact your insurance provider as soon as you suspect damage. Most policies have deadlines for filing a claim.
  • Document everything: Take photos of visible damage from the ground and make note of the storm date.
  • Get a roofer’s inspection: Insurance adjusters may miss critical issues. A roofer can offer detailed photos and a full damage report to support your claim.

Working with an experienced storm restoration team like Dolan Roofing & Construction helps ensure nothing gets overlooked. We can guide you through the inspection process so your claim stays on track from the start.

Detailed roof inspection image showing storm damage for insurance claim by Dolan Roofing & Construction in San Antonio

The Insurance Claim Process Step-by-Step

Filing a roof insurance claim in Texas can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. But the process gets smoother when you understand each step and have a reliable roofing team on your side. Here’s what to expect from the time damage occurs to when your funds arrive.

  1. Report the Damage: Once the storm passes and it’s safe to check, look around for signs of damage like missing shingles or dented gutters. Then contact your insurance provider to file a claim. Most policies have a deadline, so don’t wait.
  2. Schedule a Roof Inspection: Call Dolan Roofing & Construction for an inspection before your adjuster arrives. We’ll document the damage with photos and notes to support your claim. Our team can also be on-site during the adjuster’s visit to make sure nothing is missed.
  3. Meet with the Adjuster: Your insurance company will send an adjuster to assess the damage and determine coverage. Adjusters aren’t roofing experts, which is why having us there matters. We’ll point out what needs attention and help ensure a full scope of work is considered.
  4. Review the Insurance Estimate: After the adjuster files their report, you’ll get a breakdown of what’s covered. This includes repair details, costs, and any depreciation. We’ll review the estimate with you and flag any missing items.
  5. Sign a Contract and Schedule Repairs: Once your insurance estimate is finalized, we’ll draft a repair contract, confirm materials, and set a date. If extra items need to be added for code compliance, we’ll help request those from your insurer.

Receive Payment and Complete Work: Insurance payments usually come in two parts. The first check is sent after approval. The second arrives once work is done and inspected. We’ll help coordinate everything so your claim stays on track.

San Antonio residential roof image supporting insurance claim process by Dolan Roofing & Construction

FAQs About Roof Insurance Claims

How long do I have to file an insurance claim in Texas?

Most Texas homeowners have up to two years to file a roof damage claim. However, some carriers set shorter windows, so it’s best to file as soon as you notice damage. Waiting too long can lead to a denied claim if the damage gets worse or is seen as neglect.

It depends on your provider and policy. Many insurers look for damage that covers around 20–30% of your roof. Others count hail hits per square (a 10′ x 10′ area). An inspection from a roofing professional can help clarify whether your damage meets those thresholds.

Start with a roof inspection. A qualified roofer can document hail hits or storm damage with photos, helping you prepare for the adjuster’s visit. At Dolan Roofing & Construction, we often walk the property with your adjuster to ensure no damage is overlooked.*

Most policies cover sudden damage from hail, wind, and other storms. Damage from age or neglect usually isn’t covered. Reviewing your policy regularly helps you stay informed about what’s included.

San Antonio Storms & Dolan Roofing & Construction’s Local Expertise

Spring and early summer bring San Antonio’s strongest storms, especially in May, when hail, high winds, heavy rains, and the remnants of hurricanes hit hardest. Hail is the most common threat. It can range from small impacts that weaken roofing over time to large stones that damage gutters, siding, and even pierce through shingles.

Dolan Roofing & Construction has seen it all. Because we’re based in San Antonio, our team understands how local weather patterns affect Texas homes. We started out in storm restoration, and we still offer 24/7 emergency roofing services and fast inspections when storms hit. 

When you work with Dolan Roofing & Construction, you’re working with a team that knows San Antonio, understands how to protect local homes, and gets your repairs done quickly and correctly.

How to Avoid Roofing Scams After a Storm

In Texas, where hail and high winds are common, roofing scams pop up frequently right after major weather events.

Here’s what to watch out for:

  • Storm Chasers: These out-of-town contractors follow severe storms and go door to door offering cut-rate repairs. They do rushed, low-quality work and disappear before you can call about a leak. They can’t stand behind a warranty.
    How to avoid it: Only hire a local roofer with a long-standing reputation in your area.
  • Waiving Your Deductible: Some roofers offer to “waive” your insurance deductible to make their bid more appealing. That might sound like a deal, but it’s illegal in Texas and considered insurance fraud.
    How to avoid it: If a contractor says they’ll cover your deductible, walk away.
  • Lowball Bids That Balloon Later: An unusually low estimate may seem great, right up until the project starts. Then come “unexpected” costs that drive the price higher.
    How to avoid it: Ask for clear, detailed quotes. Choose roofers who explain pricing and don’t push you to sign quickly.

You can’t stop storms, but you can avoid being taken advantage of. Work with licensed, local professionals like Dolan Roofing & Construction, and you’ll be protected from both weather and scams.

Why Choose Dolan Roofing & Construction for Your Insurance Claim?

When your roof is damaged, you need a contractor who knows how to work with insurance and won’t leave you guessing. At Dolan Roofing & Construction, we’ve handled hundreds of insurance-backed roof replacements across Texas. Our team understands the fine print, the process, and the pressure homeowners face when navigating storm repairs.

We’ll walk your property, document damage, and attend your adjustment to help make sure nothing gets overlooked. We don’t overpromise or cut corners. We simply do the job right, with clear communication and no pressure tactics.

Because we’re based in San Antonio, we’ve seen firsthand how Texas weather affects local homes. Our team is trained to spot storm-specific damage and make sure your repair meets local code and insurer expectations. We also offer roof financing to help bridge any gaps, so you’re not stuck waiting to fix what’s broken.

If you’re looking for a roofer who knows the ropes and puts your peace of mind first, Dolan Roofing & Construction is ready to help.

Ready to Get Your Roof Covered and Repaired?

If your insurance company requires a new roof to continue coverage, or if you’ve just been through a major storm, Dolan Roofing & Construction is here to help. We’ve walked countless Texas homeowners through these processes, so we know how to protect your home and your wallet. 

Start with an expert inspection from our local experts today; reach out to get started.

* NOTE: Dolan Roofing & Construction & Construction and its authorized representatives are NOT acting as Public Insurance Adjusters and will not negotiate with insurance on the Customer’s behalf. This blog is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional insurance advice. The information provided here is based on general knowledge and experience with roof replacement claims. For specific advice related to your insurance policy or claim, please consult with your insurance provider or a licensed insurance professional.

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