Insurance Info

A deductible is the amount an insured person must pay out of pocket before their insurance provider begins covering expenses. For example, with a $1,000 deductible on a $5,000 claim, the individual would pay the first $1,000, while the insurance company would generally cover the remaining $4,000. Keep in mind that the exact amount covered by your insurer depends on your specific homeowner’s policy and provider. 

Additionally, deductibles usually don’t apply to any upgrades you decide to make to your roofing project, such as enhanced shingles. In these situations, you would pay the difference between a basic shingle replacement and the cost of upgraded shingles.

Texas Law HB2102 –

Put in basic terms, the deductibles law:

• Applies whether you are promising to waive the deductible or if you are actually waving.
• Prohibits paying, waving, absorbing, or in any way declining to charge or collect the deductible.
• Prohibits rebates or credits that will offset all or part of the deductible.
• Prohibits in any manner assisting the insured in avoiding payment of their deductible

If your homeowner’s insurance includes coverage for roof damage and you need a roof replacement due to a covered event, you'll be responsible for paying your deductible. The amount you pay out of pocket will depend on the details of your specific insurance policy. 

If your policy doesn’t cover the full replacement cost, you'll have to cover the additional expense. Also, if you decide to upgrade your roof, you’ll be responsible for paying the difference.

Some roofing companies might offer to cover your insurance deductible as an incentive to choose them, but accepting this offer is not advisable. Texas law, enacted by the governor, prohibits roofing contractors from paying your deductible. Contractors who make this offer risk involving both you and themselves in insurance fraud within Texas, as it is illegal for them to pay, rebate, or waive a deductible. 

This law isn't unique to Texas—many other states have similar restrictions. Avoid these kinds of discounts or incentives, as they are a common scam in the roofing industry and can lead to legal trouble. 

Additionally, roofing companies that offer to cover your deductible may deliver subpar workmanship—and if issues arise, you have no recourse since accepting this offer involves breaking the law. Although it might be tempting to let a contractor cover your deductible to save money, doing so is illegal, signals poor credibility on the contractor’s part, and simply isn’t worth the risk of committing insurance fraud. 

Instead, choose a reputable roofing company that operates ethically and won’t pressure you into questionable practices.

A roofing company may propose covering your deductible to attract your business, aiming to make their services appear more appealing than other contractors. However, as previously noted, accepting such an offer is not advisable. 

In Texas, it’s illegal for roofing contractors to pay, rebate, or waive your deductible, and companies that make these offers often end up cutting corners on quality. By using less money to complete the same project, they may compromise on materials and workmanship, resulting in a lower-quality roof. 

For a lasting, high-quality roofing job, always work with a reputable company that adheres to ethical standards and state laws. 

There are two main types of policies that determine the amount your insurance company will pay and how much you’ll need to cover yourself when replacing your home’s roof. 

The policy also specifies any additional expenses you’ll be responsible for during the roof replacement process.