INSURANCE CLAIM INFORMATION

Storm damage can leave property owners facing difficult decisions and a confusing insurance claims process. Watts Roofing is here to guide you every step of the way, providing thorough inspections, detailed documentation, and expert support to help ensure your claim is handled accurately and efficiently.

Our goal is to make the process simple, transparent, and stress-free. Here’s exactly how the process works:

Step 1:
Schedule Your FREE Evaluation

If you suspect wind or hail damage, call us first.
We will:
• Inspect your roof and exterior for storm damage
• Document any damage with photos
• Let you know whether filing an insurance claim is recommended

If there is no damage, we’ll tell you.
If there is damage, we move to Step 2.

Step 2:
File Your Insurance Claim

If storm damage is confirmed, the homeowner contacts their insurance company to file a claim.
You’ll need:
• Your policy number
• Date of the storm (we can help determine this)
• A brief description of the damage

Once the claim is filed, the insurance company will schedule an adjuster inspection.

Step 3: 
Insurance Adjuster Inspection

The insurance adjuster will inspect the property to determine:
• If damage is covered
• The scope of repairs
• The estimated replacement cost

We meet with the adjuster (when possible) to ensure all storm damage is properly documented.

Step 4:
What the Homeowner Actually Pays

For an approved RCV claim, the homeowner pays:
• The first insurance check (ACV amount, see below for ACV/RCV information)
PLUS
• Their policy deductible

That total amount is paid to the roofing contractor.
The deductible is your portion of the claim and is required by Texas law to be paid by the homeowner.

The only additional out-of-pocket cost would be:
• Upgrades (designer shingles, metal roofing, skylights, etc.)
• Additions not covered by insurance

Step 5:
We Complete the roof replacement

Your project manager will meet with you to pick a shingle brand, style, and color, along with any additional work you would like or need performed (fascia/soffit, gutters, etc), and will go over what you can expect during your roof replacement.
• We will let you know a tentative install date (can change pending weather)
• Materials will be delivered to your home
• We install your new roof
• Your project manager will walk the completed job over with you and collect payment (the ACV check + your deductible)
• We provide an invoice to your insurance company
• We submit any required documentation
      • Windstorm certificate (if required by your Texas county)
      • Completion paperwork
      • Cleared (deposited checks) as proof of payment

Step 6: 
Insurance Releases Recoverable Depreciation

After the insurance company receives:
• The final invoice
• Proof of completion
• Any required windstorm certification

They release the recoverable depreciation check.
This check is typically made payable to:
• The homeowner AND the roofing contractor

This payment goes toward the final balance of the job.

Understanding Your Policy Type

Simple Summary: What You Actually Pay
If your claim is approved and you have an RCV policy, then you pay: Your deductible and any upgrades you choose 

Insurance pays: The full replacement cost of your roof (minus your deductible). You do NOT keep: The recoverable depreciation OR any leftover claim funds beyond the scope of work

Insurance claims are intended to restore your home to its pre-storm condition — not to generate extra money.

RCV Policy (Replacement Cost Value)

This is the most common policy type.

With an RCV policy:

  1. Insurance first sends a check for the ACV amount (actual cash value).
  2. The depreciation is withheld temporarily — this is called recoverable depreciation.

ACV Policy (Actual Cash Value)

  • Insurance pays the depreciated value of your roof.
  • Depreciation is withheld and not recoverable.
  • You are responsible for:
    • Your deductible
    • Any difference between the insurance payment and the full cost of replacement
    • Any upgrades you choose

With an ACV policy, there is only one payment.

 

Not sure what insurance policy you have? Click below to look up your certification: 

IMPORTANT: 

You do not get to keep the recoverable depreciation. It is only released after the work is completed and invoiced.

Ready to schedule your FREE inspection?

Our team combines hands-on evaluations with advanced drone and satellite technology to assess roofing materials, flashing, gutters, vents, and hard-to-reach areas with accuracy and efficiency.

Why Homeowners Get Confused: 

Many homeowners think: “I already got a check — isn’t that my money?” Not exactly.
The first check is simply the insurance company’s initial payment toward the full cost of replacing your roof. The remaining funds are released only after the work is completed and documented. Remember, the insurance company approved your claim and approved the funds to replace your roof. If you roof is not replaced with a specific time period, and your insurance company does not receive proof that the replacement was made, they could cancel your insurance.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
It is illegal for a roofing contractor to offer to “pay” your deductible for you. This is insurance fraud and is a felony in Texas and most other states. Any roofing contractor that tries to entice you by offering to pay your deductible is a red flag.

Contact Information

Watts Roofing

Proudly serving Southeast Texans since 2007.

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Service Areas

Providing commercial and residential roofing to Harris County, Brazoria County, and Galveston County.

Pearland | Lake Jackson | Alvin | League City | Friendswood  | Webster | Brazoria | Texas City | Houston | Manvel & more

 

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