Why You Must Pay Your Deductible for a Roof Insurance Claim
When a storm damages your roof and you file an insurance claim, one of the most common questions homeowners ask is: “Do I have to pay my deductible?” The answer is yes—by law, you are responsible for paying your deductible directly to the contractor performing the work.
Here’s why it matters and how the process works.
What Is a Deductible?
Your insurance deductible is the amount you agreed to pay out of pocket when you signed your homeowners insurance policy. Think of it as your portion of the repair bill. For example, if your policy has a $2,000 deductible and the total cost to replace your roof is $15,000, your insurance company will pay $13,000—and you are responsible for the remaining $2,000.
Why You Must Pay It
In Texas and many other states, it’s illegal for a contractor to waive or absorb your deductible. House Bill 2102, which took effect in Texas in 2019, specifically makes it a crime for contractors to offer to pay, waive, or rebate your deductible. This law was passed to stop fraud and ensure fair practices in the roofing and insurance industries.
If a contractor says they can “take care of the deductible” or “work it into the estimate,” that’s a red flag. You could end up involved in insurance fraud—whether you meant to or not.
How the Payment Works
Once your insurance claim is approved, your insurance company will issue payment—often in two parts:
- Actual Cash Value (ACV) Payment – This is a check for the depreciated value of your roof.
- Recoverable Depreciation – After the work is completed and inspected, your insurer may release this final portion.
Your deductible is not included in those payments. You’ll need to pay that amount to the contractor directly, usually as part of your agreement before the work begins.
A Legitimate Contractor Will Make It Clear
At Windstorm Wizards Roofing, we walk our clients through every step of the insurance claim process—and that includes full transparency about your deductible. We’ll provide a detailed estimate, help you understand your insurance paperwork, and make sure you stay compliant with state laws.
Bottom Line
If you’re filing an insurance claim for roof replacement, plan to pay your deductible. It’s your legal responsibility, and it ensures that both you and your contractor are operating above board. Any contractor who suggests otherwise isn’t someone you want working on your home.
Have questions about your roof claim or deductible? Contact us today-713-2324-6437
