Severe and damaging thunderstorms rolled through the DFW area on April 25, 2026, and they did not hold back. April showers bring major damage, as they say.
If your home or business was impacted—or if you’re a contractor stepping in to help property owners recover—now is time to take a beat and focus on the details that can make or break an insurance claim. Take it from professional insurance lawyers: details matter.
The most important first step? Reviewing the insurance policy.
Why Reviewing the Policy Matters
It sounds simple, but it’s one of the most overlooked steps in the entire claims process.
As we’ve discussed in previous blog posts, including those covering commercial property insurance essentials and franchisee claim responsibilities, understanding the policy is the foundation of any successful claim.
Insurance policies—especially in the wind and hail market—have changed significantly in recent years. What was standard coverage just a few years ago may no longer apply today.
Without reviewing the full policy, policyholders and contractors risk making assumptions that can lead to delays, underpayments, or disputes.
Key Policy Details You Should Review
Deductibles
Start by identifying the deductible.
Many policies now include higher or percentage-based deductibles specifically for wind and hail claims. This can significantly impact out-of-pocket costs and overall claim expectations.
Duties After a Loss
Next, review the “duties after a loss” section.
This outlines the responsibilities a policyholder must follow after damage occurs—such as providing prompt notice, protecting the property from further damage, and documenting the loss.
Missing any of these steps can create unnecessary complications or even give your insurance company reasons not to properly pay you!
Roof Coverage and Limitations
Roof coverage is another critical area.
Some policies now include roof payment schedules that attempt to reduce payouts based on the age or condition of the roof. Others may include endorsements that limit or exclude certain types of damage such as what the carrier may deem “cosmetic” damage.
Understanding these limitations upfront helps avoid surprises during the claim process.
ACV vs. RCV
It’s also important to determine whether the policy pays Actual Cash Value (ACV) or Replacement Cost Value (RCV).
This distinction directly impacts how much is paid on a claim. ACV accounts for depreciation which allows the carrier to reduce payments based on the condition of the asset (such as a reduction in value to correspond with the age of the roofing material), while RCV typically covers the cost, quantified in today’s dollars and today’s prevailing labor and material rates, to replace the damaged property, regardless of its age or condition (subject to policy terms).
Knowing whether you have an ACV or RCV policy on your roof is an important factor in setting expectations for recovery from your storm claim.
Don’t Rely on the Declarations Page Alone
The declarations page is only a summary of insured assets and coverage. It often merely states the asset location and the total amount of coverage as well as deductibles that may apply.
To fully understand your coverage, you need the complete policy, including all exclusions and endorsements. The full policy of insurance is a complex, convoluted document, and the “devil’s in the details” for sure.
These sections often contain fine print that ultimately determines whether something is covered—or not. As highlighted in past blogs, many claim disputes come down to language found outside of the declarations page.
Policyholders have the right to request a fully certified copy of their insurance policy from their agent or insurance carrier, and doing so early can prevent costly misunderstandings and ensure you know your rights going into the claim.
What Contractors Need to Know
For contractors, understanding the policy is just as important.
Being familiar with coverage helps set realistic expectations and improves communication with clients throughout the repair process.
However, it’s important to stay within your role. Providing legal interpretations of an insurance policy or negotiating claims on behalf of your customer is not allowed in Texas. Acting as an insurance adjuster without the correct licensure can create potential legal issues with severe consequences, such as loss of profits or regulatory fines.
As we’ve discussed in prior Green Trial Law content, maintaining ethical boundaries while staying informed is key to protecting both your business and your clients. If you are a restoration contractor and have questions about the meaning of an insurance policy, it’s best to consult with a reputable public insurance adjuster or insurance lawyer like us.
Clarity Now Prevents Problems Later
Storm recovery can feel overwhelming.
But taking the time to review and understand the insurance policy brings clarity to the process and helps avoid common pitfalls.
Many of the disputes we see could have been prevented with a better understanding of coverage from the very beginning.
Need Help Reviewing Your Policy?
If you or your clients have questions about an insurance policy, we’re here to help.
We offer free policy reviews and can walk through the details with you so you know exactly where you stand before moving forward with a claim.
