After a storm hits the Rio Grande Valley, one of the first calls you'll make is to your homeowners insurance company. Shortly after, an insurance adjuster will be scheduled to inspect your property. What happens during that visit — and how prepared you are — can make the difference between a full settlement and a lowball offer.
What Is an Insurance Adjuster?
An insurance adjuster is a professional hired by your insurance company to assess the damage to your property and determine how much the insurer will pay. There are two types:
- Staff adjuster: An employee of your insurance company. Their job is to protect the insurer's interests.
- Independent adjuster: A contractor hired by the insurer on a per-claim basis. Still represents the insurer, not you.
Neither type works for you. That's why having a licensed roofing contractor present during the inspection is one of the smartest moves you can make.
What the Adjuster Will Inspect
A thorough adjuster will examine:
- Roof surface — shingles, tiles, or metal panels for hail strikes, wind lifting, or granule loss
- Gutters and downspouts — hail dents are often the clearest evidence of storm damage
- Flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights
- Fascia and soffit — often damaged by wind-driven rain
- Interior — attic insulation, ceiling stains, and any visible water intrusion
- AC unit covers and other exterior components
Important: Adjusters can miss damage
Hail damage on dark shingles, wind damage on the back slope, and granule loss are commonly missed — especially when the adjuster spends only 15–20 minutes on site. A roofing contractor who knows what to look for can document everything before the adjuster leaves.
How to Prepare Before the Adjuster Arrives
- 1
Document the damage yourself first
Take photos and video of every area you can safely access — gutters, downspouts, window screens, AC covers, and any interior water stains. Date-stamp everything.
- 2
Schedule a free roofing inspection
Have a licensed contractor inspect your roof before the adjuster arrives. They can prepare a written scope of loss that you can share with the adjuster.
- 3
Gather your policy documents
Know your deductible, your coverage limits, and whether you have Replacement Cost Value (RCV) or Actual Cash Value (ACV) coverage. RCV pays for a new roof; ACV deducts depreciation.
- 4
Request your contractor be present
Most insurance companies allow a contractor to be present during the adjuster visit. Texas Prime Homes attends adjuster meetings at no charge.
- 5
Do not make permanent repairs yet
Temporary repairs (tarping, boarding) are fine and encouraged. But do not replace the roof before the adjuster inspects it — this can void your claim.
What to Say (and Not Say) to the Adjuster
Say this
- "I noticed damage after the storm on [date]."
- "My contractor identified damage on the north slope as well."
- "Can you document that area specifically?"
- "I'd like a copy of your written report."
Avoid this
- Guessing the cause of damage ("I think it was the wind")
- Admitting the roof was old or had prior issues
- Agreeing to a settlement on the spot
- Signing anything without reading it carefully
What Happens After the Adjuster Visit
After the inspection, the adjuster will prepare an estimate using software like Xactimate. You'll receive a Summary of Loss document showing what the insurer will pay. Review it carefully:
- Compare the adjuster's scope to your contractor's scope — missing line items are common
- Check whether the estimate uses current material prices (Xactimate prices can lag the market)
- Confirm whether depreciation is recoverable (RCV policies allow you to collect the withheld depreciation after repairs are complete)
- If the offer is too low, you can request a re-inspection or invoke the appraisal clause
Your Rights Under Texas Insurance Law
Texas homeowners have strong protections under the Texas Insurance Code:
- Insurers must acknowledge your claim within 15 days
- They must accept or deny within 15 business days of receiving all required documentation
- If they delay unreasonably, you may be entitled to 18% annual interest plus attorney's fees
- You have the right to invoke the appraisal process if you disagree with the settlement amount
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have a roofer present during the insurance adjuster visit?
Yes — and you should. A licensed roofing contractor can point out damage the adjuster might miss, especially on the roof surface itself. Texas Prime Homes attends adjuster meetings at no charge for our customers.
What if the adjuster misses damage on my roof?
You can request a re-inspection or invoke the appraisal process under your Texas homeowners policy. A qualified roofing contractor can document missed damage with photos and a written scope of loss to support your case.
How long does a roof insurance claim take in Texas?
Texas law requires insurers to acknowledge your claim within 15 days and accept or deny it within 15 business days after receiving all required information. Most straightforward roof claims resolve in 30–60 days.
We Attend Adjuster Meetings — At No Charge
Texas Prime Homes will inspect your roof, document the damage, and stand beside you when the adjuster arrives. Serving Edinburg, McAllen, Harlingen, Brownsville, and all of the RGV.