Texas Roof Insurance Claims: The Deadline, the Deductible, and What Your Roofer Legally Can’t Do

Central Texas homeowner reviewing a hail damage insurance claim with a Montgomery Roofing inspection report.

Short answer: you generally have two years from the date of the storm to file a Texas roof insurance claim — not two years from when you noticed the damage. It is illegal for a roofing contractor to waive, absorb, or rebate your deductible. And under Texas law, your roofer cannot negotiate your claim with your insurance company, no matter what the guy who knocked on your door after the last storm told you.

That third one surprises people most, so we’ll be direct about it: there are things you may want us to do that we are legally not allowed to do. Here’s the whole picture, with the statutes, so you can check it yourself.

The deadline: two years, and the clock starts at the storm

Texas Insurance Code §542A.003 sets the limitations period for residential property damage claims from forces of nature — hail, wind, tornado, lightning, flood — at two years from the date of loss.

The date of loss is the date the storm happened, confirmed by weather data. Not the date you found the stain on the ceiling. Not the date a roofer climbed up and told you what he saw. Not the date the leak started.

If a hailstorm crossed McLennan County on May 12, 2025, your deadline is May 12, 2027 — even if you didn’t discover the damage until 2026.

Two things make this tighter than it sounds:

Your policy may impose a shorter window. Many Texas policies require prompt notice of a loss, separate from the statutory limitations period. Late notice can be grounds for denial on its own. Read your policy’s reporting requirement, not just the statute.

The pre-suit notice eats 61 days. If your claim is denied or underpaid and you end up needing to sue, Chapter 542A requires written notice to the insurer at least 61 days before filing. That waiting period does not pause the clock. Practically, your real deadline is about two months earlier than the calendar says.

The lesson isn’t “you have plenty of time.” It’s the opposite: get the roof looked at after the storm, not after the ceiling stains.

The deductible: it is not negotiable, and offers to waive it are a crime

Texas Insurance Code Chapter 707 states plainly that a person insured under a property policy shall pay the deductible on a first-party claim.

The Texas Department of Insurance is blunt about what that means for contractors: it is illegal for a contractor to offer to waive, rebate, or absorb a policyholder’s deductible. Violations are a criminal offense, not a technicality — first offenses are prosecutable as a Class B misdemeanor.

The law also requires that contracts of $1,000 or more involving an insurance settlement include a notice that the policyholder must pay the deductible, and it allows insurers to request proof that you actually paid it.

So when a contractor says “don’t worry about your deductible, we’ll take care of it” — three things are true at once:

He is offering to commit a crime.
He is asking you to participate in one.
The money has to come from somewhere. It comes out of your roof — thinner underlayment, skipped flashing, fewer nails per shingle, or an inflated invoice to your carrier. Nobody absorbs $4,000 out of goodwill.

If someone offers this, you can report it to the Texas Attorney General at 800-621-0508.

The part most roofers won’t tell you: we can’t negotiate your claim

This is the section that costs us business to write, and we’re writing it anyway.

In 2013, the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 1183, adding §4101.251 and §4102.163 to the Insurance Code. Together they draw a hard line:

An insurance adjuster may not adjust a roofing loss if they’re also a roofing contractor or have a financial interest in a roofing business.
A roofing contractor may not act as a public adjuster, or advertise to adjust claims, for any property where they are providing or may provide roofing services — regardless of whether the contractor holds a public adjuster license.

The logic is straightforward: the person who profits from the repair shouldn’t be the one deciding what the claim is worth.

This was tested and upheld. In Texas Department of Insurance v. Stonewater Roofing, a roofing company challenged these provisions as a violation of free speech. The Texas Supreme Court rejected the challenge and dismissed the case. The law stands.

What that means in practice…

A Texas roofer legally cannot:

  • File your claim for you
  • Negotiate the settlement with your carrier
  • Tell your insurer they represent you, or speak for you on coverage
  • Advertise that they’ll “handle your claim,” “recover every dime you’re owed,” or help you “avoid incorrect settlement pricing” — TDI lists all three as improper

A Texas roofer legally can:

  • Inspect your roof and photo-document the damage before you file
    Give you a written estimate and detailed scope of work
  • Be present when the adjuster inspects, point out documented damage, and answer technical questions
  • Explain what the carrier’s scope does and doesn’t include, so you can raise it yourself
  • Do the actual work

That fourth one matters more than people realize. We can’t argue with your adjuster — but we can make sure you understand what’s on the estimate and what’s missing from it, so you can.

If a contractor’s pitch is that they’ll fight the insurance company for you, that pitch is illegal. It’s also the single most reliable indicator you’re talking to a storm chaser rather than a local company that’ll be here in ten years.

One more thing Texas doesn’t do: license roofers

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation does not license roofing contractors. There’s no state exam, no required registration, no mandatory insurance. As the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas puts it, anyone can call themselves a roofer in Texas.

That’s why the vetting falls to you. What actually exists:

RCAT licensing — a voluntary program requiring two years’ experience, a fixed Texas business address, proof of financial responsibility and insurance, and a passed exam
Manufacturer certifications — like IKO RoofPro or Craftsman Premier, which require verified installation standards and unlock better warranties
Local registration — some Texas cities require contractor registration to pull permits, though requirements vary by jurisdiction

Ask for proof of general liability and workers’ compensation. Texas doesn’t require private employers to carry workers’ comp — and if an uninsured crew member is hurt on your roof, that can become your problem.

The claim sequence that actually works

Get documented first. Have a roofer inspect and photograph the damage before you call your carrier, so a written record exists that predates the claim.
You file the claim. Directly with your insurer. Not your contractor — that’s the part the law reserves for you.
The carrier sends an adjuster. Have your contractor on site to walk the roof with them and answer technical questions.
Review the scope. The carrier produces an itemized estimate. Compare it line by line against your contractor’s scope, and raise any gaps with the carrier yourself.
Pay your deductible. It’s required, and your insurer can ask for proof.
Work gets done. On a replacement cost policy, recoverable depreciation is typically released after completion.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a roof insurance claim in Texas? Texas Insurance Code §542A.003 sets a two-year limitations period from the date of loss for residential property damage from forces of nature, including hail and wind. The clock starts on the date of the storm, not the date you discovered damage. Your policy may also require prompt notice, which can be a shorter deadline.

Can a roofer waive my insurance deductible in Texas? No. Texas Insurance Code Chapter 707 requires the policyholder to pay the deductible, and it is illegal for a contractor to pay, waive, rebate, or absorb it, or to advertise that they will. Violations can be prosecuted as a criminal offense. Contracts of $1,000 or more involving an insurance settlement must include notice that the policyholder must pay the deductible.

Can my roofing contractor negotiate with my insurance company in Texas? No. Under Texas Insurance Code §4102.163, a roofing contractor may not act as a public adjuster or advertise to adjust claims for any property where they are providing roofing services, regardless of whether they hold a public adjuster license. The Texas Supreme Court upheld this in Texas Department of Insurance v. Stonewater Roofing. Contractors can inspect, document, estimate, and be present during the adjuster’s inspection.

Do roofers need a license in Texas? No. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation does not license roofing contractors, so there is no state exam or registration requirement. The Roofing Contractors Association of Texas offers a voluntary licensing program, and some cities require local contractor registration for permits.

What is the 61-day pre-suit notice in Texas? Under Chapter 542A, a policyholder must give the insurer written notice at least 61 days before filing suit over a weather-related property claim. The notice must state the acts complained of, the amount alleged owed, and attorney’s fees incurred. This period does not pause the limitations clock.

Should I file a claim for minor hail damage? Not always. Texas wind and hail deductibles are commonly 1–3% of your dwelling limit — $4,000 to $12,000 on a $400,000 home. If the damage falls below that, filing produces no payment and still puts a claim on your record. Get an honest inspection first and find out whether the damage clears your deductible.

We’ll tell you what we see, and what we can’t do

Montgomery Roofing has worked Central Texas roofs from Lorena since 1995. We’ll inspect, document, and give you a written estimate at no cost — and we’ll tell you honestly if the damage doesn’t justify a claim.

What we won’t do is promise to fight your carrier for you. That’s not modesty. It’s the law, and anyone promising otherwise is telling you something about how they do business.

Call 254-655-1024 or schedule a free inspection.

Related: Class 4 roof insurance discount in Texas · What a metal roof costs in Central Texas

General information, not legal or insurance advice. Statutes and policy terms change and vary — confirm specifics with your agent or an attorney.

Roof Leaks in Waco: What to Do When It Rains

Roof leaking in Waco, TX

A rainy week is on the way for Central Texas, and steady rain has a way of exposing every weak spot on a roof. That’s why roof leaks in Waco tend to show up exactly when the weather turns. If your roof has a hidden problem, this is the week you’ll find out.

The good news is that a little preparation goes a long way. So before the clouds roll in, here’s how to spot trouble early, what to do if water gets inside, and when it’s time to call a pro.

Why Rain Reveals Hidden Roof Problems

Dry weather hides a lot. A cracked seal or a lifted shingle can sit unnoticed for months. Then the rain arrives, and suddenly water has a path indoors.

Because Central Texas often goes from dry spells to heavy downpours, that first soaking rain puts real pressure on your roof. As a result, small flaws become active leaks fast.

Common Causes of Roof Leaks in Waco

Most leaks trace back to a handful of usual suspects. Knowing them helps you catch problems early.

  • Damaged or missing shingles that let water reach the decking
  • Worn flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights
  • Clogged gutters that back water up under the roof edge
  • Cracked seals around pipes and rooftop penetrations
  • Old, brittle roofing that has simply reached the end of its life

In addition, past hail or wind damage often sets the stage. A storm weakens the roof, and the next heavy rain finds the opening.

Roof Leaks in Waco Warning Signs to Watch For During the Rain

When the rain starts, keep an eye out for these red flags:

  • Water stains spreading across ceilings or walls
  • Damp spots or drips in the attic
  • A musty, humid smell in upstairs rooms
  • Peeling paint or bubbling around ceiling fixtures
  • Sounds of dripping between walls

If you spot any of these, act quickly. The sooner you respond, the less damage the water can do.

What to Do Before the Rain Hits Waco

You still have time to get ahead of it. First, clear your gutters and downspouts so water drains freely. Clogged gutters are a leading cause of roof leaks in Waco during wet weather.

Next, do a quick ground-level check for obvious missing or curling shingles. Also glance into the attic for any existing stains. Finally, move valuables away from spots that have leaked before, just in case.

What to Do if Your Roof Leaks in Waco During the Storm

If water comes in while it’s pouring, stay calm and protect your home. Start with these steps:

  1. Contain the water. Place a bucket under the drip and towels around it.
  2. Relieve the pressure. If the ceiling bulges, poke a small hole to let trapped water drain into a bucket. This prevents a larger collapse.
  3. Protect your belongings. Move furniture and electronics out of the way.
  4. Document everything. Take photos and video for a possible insurance claim.
  5. Call Montgomery Roofing. Schedule a professional inspection as soon as the storm passes.

Because climbing onto a wet roof is dangerous, leave the actual repair to a pro. Safety first, always.

Repair Now or Face a Bigger Problem Later

It’s tempting to wait until the weather clears and then forget about it. However, ignored leaks rarely stay small. Water spreads into decking, insulation, and drywall, and mold can follow.

That’s why fast roof leak repair usually costs far less than the damage a delay allows. In short, a quick fix today protects your home from a much bigger bill later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my roof only leak during heavy rain?

Light rain may not find the gap, but a hard, wind-driven downpour can. Heavy rain also overwhelms clogged gutters and tired flashing.

Can I fix a roof leak myself during a storm?

You can contain the water indoors, but skip the roof. Wet roofs are slippery and unsafe, so leave repairs to a professional.

Will insurance cover roof leaks in Waco?

It often depends on the cause. Storm and hail damage are usually covered, while wear and neglect may not be. Document the damage and check your policy.

How fast should I get a leak inspected?

As soon as the rain lets up. Quick action limits water damage and gives you more repair options.

Don’t Wait for the Next Downpour

Rain has a way of finding every weak spot, so a proactive check now can save you a stressful, soggy week. If you’ve noticed stains, drips, or damage, don’t leave it to chance.

Our local team is ready to help before, during, and after the storm. Contact us today for a free inspection and get ahead of roof leaks in Waco before the next round of rain.

May 2026 Hail Damage in Central Texas: How to Check Your Roof | Montgomery Roofing

hail damage roof repair

Did the May 2026 storms damage your Waco-area roof? Here’s how to spot hail damage, file a smart insurance claim, and avoid storm-chaser contractors.

For six straight days at the end of April 2026, severe thunderstorms rolled across North and Central Texas — bringing hail up to softball size, wind gusts over 60 mph, tornadoes, and flash flooding. The National Weather Service logged more than 280 storm reports across the region between April 24 and April 29, including 226 reports of large hail. The Waco and Limestone County area took a direct hit on the late-night storms of April 28.

If you live in McLennan, Bell, Hill, Bosque, Limestone, Falls, Coryell, Williamson, or Hays County, there’s a good chance your roof felt some of that. The problem is, hail damage isn’t always obvious from the ground — and most homeowners don’t realize the clock is already ticking on their insurance claim.

This guide walks through what to check, what only a roofer can see, how the insurance process actually works, and how to avoid the storm-chaser contractors who flood Central Texas after every big weather event.

Why Time Matters: The 12-Month Insurance Window

Most Texas homeowner’s policies require you to file a hail damage claim within 12 months of the storm. Some carriers are stricter — as little as 180 days. The longer you wait, the harder it gets to prove which storm caused the damage, and the easier it is for an adjuster to deny the claim or attribute it to “normal wear.”

There’s another reason not to wait. Texas leads the nation in hail damage claims. State Farm alone paid $1.4 billion in Texas hail claims last year — more than any other state, and a 27% jump from the year before. Demand for roofers spikes after big events. The homeowners who call early get scheduled first, get adjusters out faster, and get their roofs replaced before the next storm season opens in spring 2027.

If your roof took a hit in April and you haven’t had it inspected, this month is the right time to get on the schedule.

Signs of Hail Damage You Can Spot From the Ground

You don’t have to climb on the roof. Most early indicators are visible from the driveway:

Granules in the gutters and downspout splash blocks. Asphalt shingles are protected by a layer of mineral granules. Hail knocks them loose. If you see what looks like coarse black sand piling up at the base of your downspouts, your shingles took damage.

Dented gutters, gutter screens, or downspouts. Aluminum dents easily. If your gutters look pock-marked or bent in spots that weren’t there before April, hail of significant size hit your house.

Damaged window screens. Tears, punctures, or pushed-in spots usually mean the roof above got the same treatment.

A/C condenser fins bent or flattened. Look at the outdoor unit. Hail dents the aluminum fins around the coils. This is one of the most reliable hail-size indicators on the property.

Bruised or shredded leaves on trees and shrubs. Mature leaves that look like they’ve been chewed up are a sign of hail large enough to damage shingles.

Dings on outdoor surfaces. Patio furniture, grills, mailboxes, vehicle hoods — anything with paint or thin metal will tell you the story.

If you’re seeing two or three of these signs, your roof almost certainly has damage that an insurance claim will cover.

What Only a Roofer Can See

Plenty of hail damage on a roof is invisible from the ground — even from a neighbor’s second-floor window. This is where a professional inspection makes the difference.

A trained roofer is looking for:

Bruises in the shingle mat. When hail hits an asphalt shingle hard enough, it fractures the fiberglass mat underneath the surface. The shingle looks fine — until you press on the spot and feel a soft, spongy depression. Those bruises shorten the shingle’s life by years, even if they’re not leaking yet.

Granule loss in concentrated patterns. Random granule loss is normal aging. Hail leaves circular patterns of bare spots where each stone struck.

Cracked or split shingles. Wind from severe storms lifts shingle tabs and can crack the sealant strip underneath. The shingle stays in place visually but no longer bonds to the one below it — and the next big wind will peel it off entirely.

Damaged flashing, vents, and pipe boots. These are the most leak-prone parts of any roof, and they’re also the parts hail damages first. A dented turbine vent or cracked pipe boot may not leak today, but it will within a year or two.

Soft decking under the shingles. Older Central Texas homes — particularly those built in the 80s and 90s — sometimes have decking that’s already weakened. Hail finishes the job.

Our inspectors document all of this with photos, a written report, and a measured roof diagram. You get the report whether you hire us or not.

How the Insurance Claim Actually Works

If hail damage is confirmed, here’s the realistic timeline most homeowners go through:

  1. You file the claim with your insurance company by phone or app. They’ll ask for the date of loss — use the storm date (April 24–29, 2026 for this event).
  2. An adjuster is assigned. After a major event, this can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Big storms across multiple counties stretch insurance company resources thin.
  3. The adjuster inspects the roof. It’s a good idea to have your roofer there at the same time. We meet adjusters on-site regularly — we know what they’re looking for and what often gets missed.
  4. You receive a Statement of Loss. This is a line-item document showing what the insurance company will pay for. The first check, called the “actual cash value” (ACV), is the depreciated value of your roof minus your deductible.
  5. We review the scope. Adjuster scopes routinely miss items — ridge caps, drip edge, code-required upgrades, flashing, decking. We supplement the claim and submit photos, measurements, and documentation for any missing items.
  6. Work begins. Most residential roofs are completed in 1–2 days once materials are scheduled.
  7. Final check is released. After the work is done, your insurance company releases the depreciation portion. You pay the deductible. The rest goes toward the roof.

The homeowner’s out-of-pocket cost is almost always just the deductible — typically 1% or 2% of the home’s insured value.

How to Avoid Storm-Chaser Contractors

After every major Central Texas hail event, out-of-state contractors flood the area. They knock on doors. They offer to “waive your deductible.” They show up in unmarked trucks with no local address.

Here’s how to vet anyone who shows up at your door — including us:

Ask for a local Texas address. A P.O. box or an out-of-state office is a red flag. Montgomery Roofing has been in Lorena since 1995, at the same number: 254-655-1024.

Ask to see proof of liability insurance and workers’ compensation. A contractor without workers’ comp puts you on the hook if someone gets hurt on your roof.

Ask for references in your zip code. Anyone who’s actually working in Waco, Hewitt, Robinson, Woodway, Temple, Killeen, or the surrounding areas should be able to name recent projects.

Be skeptical of “deductible waivers.” Offering to waive your deductible is illegal in Texas. Any contractor offering that is committing insurance fraud — and you’d be a party to it.

Look for manufacturer certifications. We’re an IKO Craftsman Premier contractor, which means our installs come with a workmanship warranty backed by IKO, not just by us. Storm chasers don’t have those certifications because the manufacturers require local, vetted businesses.

Check the BBB and Google reviews. Look for years of history, not 50 reviews collected in the last six months. Montgomery Roofing is BBB Accredited with an A+ rating and 70+ five-star Google reviews built up over more than a decade.

What to Do This Week

If you’re in the Waco area and you haven’t had your roof checked since the April storms:

  1. Walk your property tonight. Look for the ground-level signs above.
  2. If you see any of them, schedule a free inspection.
  3. Don’t file the insurance claim until after a roofer has confirmed damage — filing a claim that gets denied still counts against your record.
  4. If we confirm damage, we’ll walk you through every step of the claim, attend the adjuster meeting, and handle the supplement process if anything gets missed.

Call us at (254) 655-1024 or book a free inspection online. We’ve been doing this in Central Texas since 1995. We’ll tell you the truth about your roof — whether you need a full replacement, a small repair, or nothing at all.

Montgomery Roofing is a family-owned roofing contractor based in Lorena, TX, serving Waco, Hewitt, Robinson, Woodway, Temple, Killeen, Belton, Hillsboro, Gatesville, Groesbeck, and surrounding Central Texas communities. Licensed, insured, BBB Accredited (A+), Google Guaranteed, and an IKO Craftsman Premier certified installer.

How to Protect Your Central Texas Roof from Hail Damage

May is traditionally the most active month for severe weather in Central Texas. With the arrival of recent cold fronts, the National Weather Service has tracked strong thunderstorms capable of producing large hail, damaging wind gusts, and downpours across the I-35 corridor—including Waco, Austin, and San Antonio.

For homeowners and business owners across Central Texas, this means one thing: it is time to assess your roof’s defense against spring storm damage.

The Threat to Central Texas Roofs

Central Texas experiences some of the most unpredictable spring weather in the country. Rapid transitions from humid, 90-degree days to sudden cold fronts create ideal conditions for supercell thunderstorms that can strike without much warning.

The three primary threats to your roof during May include:

  • Large Hail: Can crack, bruise, or dislodge asphalt and tile shingles.

  • 60+ MPH Wind Gusts: Can lift shingle edges, creating weak points or tearing them off completely.

  • Heavy Downpours: Can exploit damaged or old flashing, leading to interior leaks.

4-Step Roofing Inspection Checklist

You do not need to wait for a major storm to find out if your roof is compromised. Use this checklist after a severe weather event passes:

  1. Check for Granule Loss: Inspect your gutters and downspouts. Excessive granules indicate that hail or heavy winds have stripped the protective layer off your shingles.

  2. Inspect Flashing and Vents: Check around chimneys, skylights, and vent pipes. Dents or gaps in metal flashing are a telltale sign of hail impact.

  3. Look for Missing or Lifted Shingles: From the ground (using binoculars) or safely from a ladder, look for misaligned, curled, or missing shingle tabs.

  4. Inspect the Attic: Check for damp insulation or water stains on your ceiling after a storm.