If you’re preparing for a roof replacement or repair—especially in Collin or Denton counties where hail storms regularly hit—you need to be extra cautious about who you let on your property. One of my golden rules? Always pull your insurance policy declarations page first before calling or hiring anyone. And just as crucial is verifying your roofing contractor’s insurance credentials, specifically their liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. These protect you from financial headaches if something goes wrong during the project.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process to verify your contractor’s insurance, explain why you should be cautious about rising wind and hail deductibles in 2026, discuss how depreciation affects older roofs, and spotlight some pesky exclusions to watch for—especially on metal roofs. By the time you finish reading, you’ll have the tools to confidently vet any licensed contractor in Texas and understand the key ins and outs that could impact your claim and out-of-pocket costs.
Why Verifying Contractor Insurance Matters
Insurance verification isn’t just red tape—it can protect you from costly liability. Imagine a worker falls off your roof and gets hurt, and your contractor doesn’t have workers’ compensation. Guess who might get stuck footing the hospital bill? Or worse, what happens if the contractor’s crew damages a neighbor’s property and doesn’t have liability coverage? Bad news all around.
Besides legal and financial risks, verifying insurance helps weed out fly-by-night operators or notorious roofing scams I’ve seen too often. Some contractors push for same-day signatures to lock homeowners in before they ask questions—that’s a major red flag.
Step 1: Get the Contractor’s Proof of Insurance
Ask any roofer you’re considering to provide a certificate of insurance (COI). This document is issued by their insurance carrier and details:
- Types of insurance held (liability, workers comp, etc.) Policy number Policy effective and expiration dates Coverage limits
If a contractor hesitates or can’t produce a COI, move on. A licensed contractor in Texas is required to carry these insurances by law, especially if they have employees on site.
Step 2: Cross-Check Coverage With the Insurance Company
Once you get the COI, don’t just take their word for it. Call the insurance company directly using the phone number on your independent research (not the one the contractor gives you). Confirm https://stateofseo.com/replacement-cost-vs-acv-for-roofs-whats-the-real-difference/ the policy is top Texas hail claim deadline current and includes:
- General liability insurance with adequate limits (typically $1 million or more) Workers' compensation insurance if the workers are employees (Texas requires it unless the contractor qualifies for an exemption)
Sometimes, unscrupulous contractors fake COIs or subcontract work to uninsured crews. Performing this double verification is critical.
Step 3: Request a Copy of the Declaration Page
Just like I recommend homeowners pull their own insurance declarations page before reaching out to anyone, ask the contractor to provide a declarations page from their policy. This page summarizes the key details of their insurance coverage, including:
- Policy effective dates Coverage limits Any additional insured endorsements (check if you’ll be named on their policy for protection) Types of coverage included
The declarations page is usually more reliable than a COI because it’s a snapshot from the actual policy.
Step 4: Document With Dated Photos and Keep Paper Trails
I’m a sucker for good dated photos. When reviewing roofing damage claims or disputes, I always lean heavily on photos with clear timestamps showing pre- and post-work-condition. Ask your contractor to provide photos during the project, or better yet, take your own before they start.
Keeping thorough records not only helps if there are contractor disputes, but also streamlines your insurance claim. Roof-scammers often avoid this kind of transparency, so any resistance here deserves scrutiny.
Important Considerations About Your Insurance Policy in 2026
Insurance rules and deductions keep changing. For example, starting in 2026, wind and hail deductibles are rising to a range from 2% up to 3% of your dwelling coverage—not the size of your claim. This is crucial because:
- Your deductible is calculated based on your dwelling coverage limit mentioned on your policy’s declarations page, not the total claim amount. For example, if your dwelling coverage is $300,000 and your deductible is 3%, your out-of-pocket wind/hail deductible will be $9,000, no matter the claim size. These percentages can catch homeowners off guard if they’re used to flat dollar deductibles.
How Depreciation Affects Roof Claims, Especially on Older Roofs
Insurance companies typically pay claims on an actual cash value (ACV) basis for roofs aged 10 to 15 years or older. ACV means they deduct depreciation from the replacement cost, so you don’t get full replacement value. This is important to remember:
- If your roof is nearing or past the 15-year mark, your insurer might only pay what the roof was worth at the time of damage—minus wear and tear. This depreciation can be several thousand dollars, depending on your roof type, condition, and age.
Don’t be surprised if your contractor references this when discussing how much you’ll get for a replacement through insurance.
Things to Watch Out For: Cosmetic Damage Exclusions & Metal Roof Issues
Some insurance companies exclude cosmetic damage like minor dents or granule loss, especially on metal roofs or certain shingle types. Here are some common pitfalls:
- Cosmetic damage exclusions: Your insurer may deny claims if the damage is purely aesthetic and doesn’t affect the roof’s integrity or leak protection. Metal roof challenges: Some policies restrict coverage for metal roofs or have different deductible rules and depreciation schedules. Contractors promising full replacement on cosmetic claims: Be cautious if contractors push for full replacements where your insurer might only offer repairs or deny the claim.
Knowing whether your insurance policy includes these exclusions can help you set realistic expectations upfront.
Red Flags in Roofing Contractor Sales Tactics
Having handled many claims and stories from homeowners, I want to share some common scammy tactics:
- “Sign right now” pressure: Contractors pushing you into signing contracts or insurance assignments on the spot—never let them rush you. “We handle everything” without transparency: Good contractors involve you in every step, including documentation and insurance processes. Softball schedules: Vague timelines like “your roof will be done soon”—ask for exact start and completion dates. Mixing up deductibles: Contractors or adjusters confusing your all-other-perils deductible with your wind/hail deductible.
Summary and What To Do Next
Before you call your first contractor, do this:
Pull your insurance policy declarations page to check your coverage limits and deductible types. Request your contractor’s certificate of insurance and declarations page, then confirm them with their insurance providers. Take dated photos of your roof before work starts. Know your policy’s specifics about deductibles, depreciation, and cosmetic damage exclusions. Beware of contractors who pressure you to sign quickly or don’t provide documentation.By verifying your contractor’s liability and workers compensation coverage and understanding how your policy works, you’ll avoid major headaches, ensure proper claim handling, and protect your pocketbook when the inevitable hailstorm hits again.
If you want help reviewing your insurance or contractor documentation, feel free to reach out. There’s no substitute for a second set of experienced eyes when your home—and insurance money—is on the line.
Remember: Always pull the declarations page first before calling anyone!