Facebook Instagram Youtube
FREE Instant Quote
Schedule Inspection

How To File a Roof Insurance Claim for Tornado and Wind Damage in San Antonio

Storm damage to roofs and insurance

The July 15 EF-1 tornado left a lot of North and Northwest Side homeowners facing the same question: is this roof damage covered, and how do I file? The good news is that wind and tornado damage is one of the most clearly covered perils in a standard Texas homeowners policy. The key is filing correctly, with strong documentation, and on the right timeline. Here’s how to do it.

(This is general guidance, not legal or insurance advice — always check your specific policy and talk to your carrier.)

Step 1: Review your policy before you call

Pull up your homeowners policy — or your declarations page — and find three things: your coverage for wind/hail, your deductible (many Texas policies have a separate, higher wind-and-hail deductible, often a percentage of the home’s insured value rather than a flat dollar amount), and any claim-filing deadlines. Knowing your deductible up front tells you whether a claim even makes sense for the damage you have.

Step 2: Document the damage thoroughly

Your claim is only as strong as your evidence. From the ground, photograph and video the entire roof and exterior, plus any interior water damage. Record the date of the storm — a confirmed, named weather event like the July 15 tornado is powerful supporting evidence, because your carrier can independently verify that severe weather struck your area that morning. Keep receipts for any emergency measures (tarps, temporary repairs) — those costs are often reimbursable.

Homeowners insurance policy review steps

Step 3: File promptly

Call your insurer or file through their app and open a claim. Report the date of loss as July 15, 2026 and describe the event (tornado / high winds). Filing quickly matters: carriers get a surge of claims after a regional event, and early filers usually get earlier adjuster appointments.

Step 4: Get an independent inspection before the adjuster arrives

This is the step many homeowners skip — and it’s the one that most affects the outcome. Having a licensed local roofer inspect and document your damage before the insurance adjuster visits means you walk into the adjuster meeting with your own written report, so nothing legitimate gets missed or undervalued. A good contractor can also be present when the adjuster inspects, to make sure the assessment is complete and accurate.

Comanche Roofing provides this inspection and documentation free for tornado-affected San Antonio homeowners.

Step 5: Understand what’s typically covered

For a wind event like this, a standard policy generally covers sudden, storm-caused damage — torn or lifted shingles, wind-driven debris impact, and resulting interior water damage. What insurers typically won’t cover is pre-existing wear, poor maintenance, or age-related deterioration. This is exactly why an honest, accurate inspection matters: the goal is to correctly identify and document the damage the tornado actually caused — not to inflate a claim, which can get it denied and put you at risk.

Step 6: Review the settlement carefully

When the carrier issues its estimate, compare it against your contractor’s assessment. If items are missing or the scope looks short, your roofer can help you submit a supplement with supporting documentation. You’re entitled to a repair that actually restores your roof to its pre-storm condition.

A caution about high-pressure contractors

After a storm this visible, expect door-knockers. Be wary of anyone who pressures you to sign an “assignment of benefits,” promises to “waive your deductible” (that’s insurance fraud, and it’s illegal in Texas), or can’t show a local address and license. Work with an established San Antonio contractor and keep control of your own claim.

Get your damage documented the right way

The strongest claims start with a clear, professional inspection. Call Comanche Roofing at (210) 201-2431 for a free tornado-damage inspection and a written report you can hand straight to your insurer. We’ll help you document what the July 15 storm did to your roof — accurately and completely.

Severe roof damage from storm.
comanche roofing logo

Schedule your free quote and inspection now!

    High rating and lifetime warranty
    call us today (512) 796-9175

    Get your free quote now!

      Picture of Cody Profitt

      Cody Profitt

      Cody has built a reputation in the Austin area as the go-to source for installing complex roofing systems. He works directly with custom home builders on waterproofing high- end modern homes other roofers wont touch. In his free time, Cody likes to be with his growing family and playing guitar.

      All Posts
      Facebook Linkedin Instagram

      Frequently Asked Questions

      Is tornado roof damage covered by homeowners insurance in Texas?

      Wind and tornado damage is generally covered under a standard Texas homeowners policy, though many policies carry a separate wind-and-hail deductible. Check your declarations page.

      Before. An independent written inspection means you can make sure the adjuster’s assessment captures all the legitimate storm damage.

      Deadlines vary by policy, but you should file as soon as possible. Prompt filing also gets you an earlier adjuster appointment after a regional storm.