Living in West Texas means enjoying wide open skies, but it also means bracing for severe weather. From destructive spring hail storms to sustained high winds, Lubbock roofs take a serious beating every year. When severe weather strikes your home, filing a roofing insurance claim can feel like an overwhelming, complicated process filled with unfamiliar industry jargon and endless paperwork.
At ABF Roofing, we’ve been helping homeowners across Lubbock and the South Plains navigate storm damage since 2007. Here is a clear, step-by-step guide to help you manage your insurance claim seamlessly and ensure your home gets the full protection it deserves.
Step 1: Document the Damage Right Away
Immediately following a severe wind or hail storm, take a few minutes to survey your property from the safety of the ground:
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Check Ground-Level Indicators: Look for dented gutters, downspouts, mailboxes, metal window trim, or outdoor air conditioning units. Dents on these items are clear indicators that your roof took impact damage as well.
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Look for Missing Shingles: Scan your roofline for loose, cracked, or missing shingles lying in your yard or driveways.
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Take Photos: Capture clear photos and videos of any visible damage, including fallen tree branches, hail size (if captured safely), or interior ceiling water spots.
Safety Warning: Avoid climbing onto your roof after a storm. Loose granules, hidden structural damage, and slick surfaces make roof inspection dangerous for homeowners. Leave high-altitude inspections to trained professionals.
Step 2: Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection
Before contacting your insurance company to open a claim, call a trusted local roofer to perform a comprehensive, professional inspection.
Having a qualified roofing contractor inspect your roof first offers key advantages:
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Accurate Assessment: A skilled roofer can identify subtle hail bruising, micro-tears in shingle seals, and hidden flashing leaks that are easy to miss.
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Avoiding Unnecessary Claims: If the damage is minor or falls below your deductible threshold, your contractor will let you know—preventing you from filing a claim that could impact your premium without yielding a payout.
Step 3: File the Claim & Coordinate the Adjuster Meeting
If significant storm damage is confirmed, contact your insurance provider’s claims department to open a file. You will be assigned a claim number and an insurance adjuster will schedule an on-site visit to evaluate the damage.
Pro Tip: Notify your roofing contractor as soon as your adjuster visit is scheduled. Having your roofer present during the adjuster’s walk-through ensures that both parties walk the roof together, review the exact scope of damage side-by-side, and agree on necessary repairs from day one.
Step 4: Review Your Insurance Estimate & Scope of Work
Once the adjuster completes their report, your insurance company will send a detailed claim summary. This paperwork typically outlines:
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ACV (Actual Cash Value): The current value of your roof after accounting for age and depreciation.
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RCV (Replacement Cost Value): The total cost required to repair or replace your roof at today’s market rates.
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Deductible: The out-of-pocket amount you are responsible for paying directly to your roofing contractor under Texas law.
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Depreciation Holdback: Funds held by insurance until the repair work is completed and verified.
Your roofing partner will review this document closely with you to verify that every required item—such as pipe boots, starter strips, ridge caps, and drip edges—is fully covered under the policy allowance.
Step 5: Professional Installation & Claim Finalization
Once the estimate is approved, your project can be scheduled! After installation is complete, ABF Roofing provides final documentation and invoice verification to your insurance company. This releases the remaining depreciation check from your insurer so you can settle the final balance easily.
Trust ABF Roofing with Your Lubbock Storm Restoration
Handling storm damage doesn’t have to be stressful. Since 2007, ABF Roofing has provided reliable, high-quality residential and commercial roofing services built on honesty and local expertise. We advocate for quality craftsmanship, ensuring your roof replacement meets the highest standards of West Texas durability.