Roofer or insurance first? For most North Texas storms, call a trusted local roofer first. An independent inspection tells you whether there is real storm damage, how widespread it is and whether it is likely to exceed your deductible, before a claim goes on your record. The exceptions are emergencies: active leaks, a tree through the roof or structural damage.
If the storm has already passed over your house and you want someone on the roof, call Cannon Roofing at (940) 627-1045. We answer around the clock, and you can also request a visit through our contact page.
Why calling a roofer or insurance first matters
Many homeowners assume the insurer has to be the first call. In practice, the order changes what happens next. When you report a loss, your insurer typically opens a claim file, even if the adjuster later finds nothing worth paying. Claims history can be considered when you renew or shop for a new policy, a topic we cover in our article on claims history and insurability.
A roofer's inspection has no such side effect. It simply answers three questions:
- Is there damage at all, or does the roof just look worn from the driveway?
- Was it caused by this storm (hail bruising, wind-creased shingles, torn flashing), or by age and heat?
- Is the damage broad enough that a claim makes financial sense once your deductible is considered?
If the honest answer is "no damage" or "minor and below your deductible," you have saved yourself a claim that would have gone nowhere. If the answer is "yes, this is real," you call the insurer with facts, photos and a clear description instead of a guess.
The exact order of calls after a storm
Here is the sequence we suggest to Wise County homeowners after hail or high wind.
1. Protect people and the house
Stay off the roof. If water is coming inside, move belongings, put down buckets and shut off power to any ceiling fixture that is dripping. Take photos of interior damage as it happens.
2. Call a local roofer for an inspection
Ask for a hands-on inspection, not a drive-by glance. A good inspector walks the slopes, checks shingles, vents, flashing, gutters and soft metals, and photographs what they find. Cannon Roofing offers a free inspection and estimate, and our crews hold the Technician Seal of Safety, meaning each employee is background checked, drug tested, factory trained and insured.
3. Review the findings with your policy in hand
Look at your declarations page for your wind and hail deductible and whether the policy pays replacement cost or actual cash value. Compare that with the scope of damage the inspector found.
4. Call your insurer if the damage warrants it
Report the date of the storm, describe the damage and ask when an adjuster can come out. Keep the claim number with your photos.
5. Have your roofer present for the adjuster visit
When your contractor meets the adjuster on the roof, damage gets pointed out rather than missed. It is one of the most useful things a roofer can do for you.
When you should call your insurance company first
Some situations can't wait for an inspection appointment.
Emergencies
If a tree limb has broken through the decking, part of the roof has blown off, or water is pouring into living space, call the insurer right away and get emergency protection in place. Most policies expect you to prevent further damage, and emergency tarping is usually treated as part of that duty. Our guide to emergency roof tarping explains what a proper temporary cover looks like.
Policies with reporting rules
Read your policy's "duties after loss" section. Some policies require prompt notice or ask you not to start permanent repairs before an adjuster sees the damage. An inspection is not a repair, but if your policy is strict, a quick call to your agent to ask how they want it handled is sensible.
Don't sign away the claim
Whoever you call first, do not sign a contract that assigns your insurance benefits or commits you to a full replacement before you know what your insurer will approve. An inspection should come with no strings attached.
What a roofer can and cannot do for your claim
A roofing contractor can document damage, explain what it means, write an estimate for the repair or replacement and meet the adjuster. Our insurance claims help is built around exactly that: honest findings, clear photos and a contractor on your side of the ladder during the adjuster's visit.
A roofer cannot act as your public adjuster or negotiate your claim on your behalf, promise what your insurer will pay, or waive your deductible. Texas law expects homeowners to pay their deductible, and any contractor offering to "cover" it is a red flag.
Timing: don't wait too long either way
Storm damage is time-sensitive. Policies set deadlines for reporting a loss, and hail-bruised shingles can start losing granules and leaking months later, which makes it harder to connect the damage to a specific storm date. Write down the date of every hail or wind event and get an inspection within days or weeks, not seasons. If you have missed that window, it is still worth an inspection; just be upfront with your insurer about the timeline.
Keep a simple storm file: the date, a local weather report or hail map screenshot, your inspection photos and every conversation with your insurer. It takes ten minutes and saves hours later.
Frequently asked questions
Will a roof inspection by a contractor show up on my insurance record?
No. An inspection by a roofer is a private service between you and the contractor. It is reporting a loss to your insurer that opens a claim file with the company.
Can I still file a claim if the roofer finds only minor damage?
You can, but if the repair falls below your deductible, the claim is unlikely to pay anything and still creates a record. Most homeowners in that position simply schedule the repair.
Should the roofer be there when the adjuster inspects?
Yes, whenever possible. Two sets of trained eyes on the roof reduce the chance that damaged vents, flashing or soft metals are overlooked.
Not sure whether your roof took real damage? Call Cannon Roofing at (940) 627-1045, day or night, and we'll set up an inspection, show you the photos and tell you plainly whether a claim makes sense. You can also reach us through the Cannon Roofing contact page.