When a heavy hailstorm or damaging wind hits the DFW area, many homeowners are left wondering: how long do I have to file an insurance claim for roof damage? The simple answer is: it depends—but sooner is always better.
What You Should Know About Insurance Deadlines in DFW
In Texas, homeowners’ insurance policies vary widely in their deadlines for filing a roof damage claim after a storm. Some insurers require notification within 90–180 days of the event. Others may allow up to one year after the damage. These policy-specific “first notice of loss” deadlines are legally enforceable — failing to report within that window can give your insurer ground to deny your claim.
An important element to keep in mind is that legally Texas has a two-year statute of limitations for property damage claims — but that two year deadline only applies if you need to take legal action (like filing a lawsuit). Texas’ two-year statute does not replace your insurer’s reporting deadline. Because of this variation, it’s critical to check your specific policy to know exactly how much time you have. Don’t assume you have time to wait and file later.
Why Acting Quickly After a Storm Matters
Filing promptly after a severe hail or wind storm helps ensure full coverage. The longer you wait, the easier it is for the insurer to claim the damage was caused by ordinary wear, a separate event, or lack of maintenance — rather than the recent storm.
Documenting damage quickly — via photos, videos, and notes — preserves evidence of the storm’s impact and strengthens your claim. Many roof issues (like granule loss, cracks, or fractures) aren’t obvious until leaks or interior damage appear later on. Filing right away locks in the date of loss with a clear record.
Steps to Protect Your Claim After a Storm
If you suspect roof damage:
- Contact your insurance company immediately. Don’t wait for leaks — report the storm damage right away.
Document everything from multiple angles (roof, gutters, yard, inside ceilings). - Consider scheduling a free & professional roof inspection to validate the damage and produce a written damage assessment. Experienced roofing contractors can spot wind- or hail-related damage that homeowners may miss.
- Avoid making permanent repairs before the adjuster inspects — except emergency tarping to protect the home.
- Keep careful records: date of storm, photos, your claim number, adjuster contact info, any temporary repair receipts.
What Happens Later If You Delay?
If you wait too long, you risk:
- Claim denial due to “late notice” or argument that damage was caused by wear and tear.
- Losing the benefit of full coverage — your insurer may refuse to pay or only offer partial compensation.
- Increased out-of-pocket expenses if further damage (like leaks or interior damage) develops after the storm.
Best Practice for DFW Roof Owners
For homeowners in the DFW metroplex — especially in hail-prone counties like Collin — treat any significant storm as a trigger to act. At a minimum: inspect your roof, document damage, and file a claim within 30 to 60 days after the storm if possible. This conservative timing gives you the best chance of approval, even if your policy allows longer notification windows.
Whether you’re ready to start your roofing project, or just want to ask more questions get in touch with us at Cook DFW Roofing & Restoration. Our experience in the industry in North Texas means that we are uniquely qualified to help you with expert advice, as you are considering a selection of high-quality roofing materials and professional installation. Call today or visit our website for more information: Cook DFW Roofing & Restoration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the legal deadline to file a property damage insurance claim in Texas?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for property damage claims (like hail or wind damage) is generally two years from the date of loss. However, this applies only if you need to file a lawsuit — not to the initial insurance notice requirement.
Does my homeowners policy always allow one year to file a storm damage claim?
Not always. Many Texas insurance policies require you to report roof damage within 90–180 days, and some set the limit at one year. Always review your “first notice of loss” clause
How soon after a storm should I contact my insurer to preserve my claim rights?
Contact your insurer as soon as possible — ideally within the first few days to weeks after the storm. Early reporting and documentation reduce the risk of denial due to arguments the damage was from another event.
Can I lose coverage if I wait too long to file a roof damage claim?
Yes. Delayed reporting can lead insurers to deny your claim or offer only partial compensation, arguing damage came from ordinary wear or a later event rather than the storm.
What should I do immediately after storm damage to protect my insurance claim?
Start by documenting all visible damage with photos and video. Next, contact a trusted contractor like CookDFW to assess any damage that might not be visible to the naked eye and who can and make any necessary temporary repairs—such as tarping—to help prevent further property damage. Once your home is protected from further damage, contacting your insurance provider to begin the claims process. A trusted contractor who offers free assessments can gauge the extent of any damage help you determine if a claim is necessary. Be sure to save all receipts for temporary repairs, and avoid making permanent or more expensive repairs until after the insurance adjuster has completed their inspection.