How the appraisal clause works on a Texas roof claim
What the appraisal clause in a Texas homeowner policy is, when you can use it on a roof claim, how the process works, who pays, and what to do first.
Get your free roof inspection
Takes 20 seconds. We respond within the hour.
Thanks, ! We have your details. What do you need help with?
Have you filed an insurance claim?
Do you own the home?
Best time to call?
You are all set, .
We will call you within the hour.
Your reference:
If you and your insurer agree your roof damage is covered but disagree on how much it costs to fix, most Texas homeowner policies let either side invoke appraisal. Each side hires its own independent appraiser, the two appraisers choose an umpire, and an agreement by any two of the three sets the amount of the loss. Appraisal settles the dollar amount. It does not decide whether the damage is covered.
When appraisal applies
Appraisal is for disputes about the amount of a covered loss. A common example: the insurer agrees hail damaged your roof but its estimate pays for a few shingles, while your contractor's documentation shows the whole slope needs replacing.
If the insurer has denied the claim entirely, saying the damage is wear and tear or not covered, that is usually a coverage dispute, and appraisal may not be the right tool. In that case a licensed public adjuster or an attorney can tell you your options.
How the process works, step by step
- One side sends a written demand for appraisal, following the wording in the policy.
- Each side picks a competent, independent appraiser within the time the policy allows, often 20 days.
- The two appraisers choose an umpire. If they cannot agree, either side can usually ask a court to appoint one.
- The appraisers each inspect the roof and estimate the loss. If they agree, that becomes the amount.
- If they do not agree, they send their differences to the umpire. A written decision signed by any two of the three is binding on the amount.
Who pays for appraisal
Under typical policy language, each side pays its own appraiser and the two sides split the umpire's fee. Read the appraisal section of your own policy, because the wording varies between insurers.
What to do before you invoke appraisal
Appraisal takes time and money, so it makes sense to try the simpler routes first. Ask for the adjuster's full estimate and photos, compare it line by line with an independent inspection, and request a reinspection or send a supplement for items that were missed. Many disagreements are settled at that stage.
Keep everything in writing and keep copies of every photo, estimate and letter.
Where a roofer fits in
Texas law does not allow a roofing contractor to negotiate your claim or act as your public adjuster, and a contractor who wants the job cannot be your appraiser. What a good roofer can do is document the damage thoroughly, so your appraiser has strong evidence to work from.
General information, not legal advice
Policies differ. Read your own policy, and for legal questions about a claim talk to a licensed public adjuster or an attorney. Appraisal Roofing is a roofing contractor, not an adjuster, appraiser or law firm.
Related questions
Is appraisal the same as suing my insurance company?
No. Appraisal is a process written into the policy for settling the amount of a covered loss. It is not a lawsuit, and it does not decide coverage.
Can my roofer be my appraiser?
No. An appraiser must be impartial. A contractor who would be paid to build the roof is not.
How long does appraisal take?
It varies. Simple roof disputes are often settled within a few weeks to a few months, depending on how quickly appraisers are chosen and the umpire is needed.
Can I use appraisal if my claim was denied?
Usually not for a full denial on coverage grounds. Appraisal is for disagreements about the amount. Talk to a licensed public adjuster or an attorney about a coverage denial.
More guides
Signs of hail damage on a roof
How to spot hail damage on an asphalt shingle roof from the ground and up close, what hail damage is often confused with, and when to get an inspection.
Read the guide · 5 min readHow to file a roof insurance claim in Texas
A plain step by step guide to filing a hail or wind roof claim in Texas: documenting damage, deductibles, the adjuster visit, depreciation and getting paid.
Read the guide · 7 min readHow much does a new roof cost in North Texas?
What a roof replacement costs in Prosper, Frisco, McKinney and North Texas, what moves the price, and what you pay when insurance covers storm damage.
Read the guide · 5 min readFind out what your roof needs.
Free inspection, every photo yours, and a straight answer. We respond within the hour.