How to vet a roofer in Texas

Why vetting a roofer matters in Texas

According to the Insurance Information Institute, Texas led the nation in 2025 with 902 major hail events, defined as hailstones one inch in diameter or larger. Illinois was second with 375. Houston Public Media, NICB Event counts describe reported weather, not damage to any roof; see what was reported near you in the Texas hail history records.

Licensing is the other reason. The Roofing Contractors Association of Texas (RCAT) states that the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation does not license roofing contractors. RCAT

What to check before you sign

The business and its insurance

• Local address and history. The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) recommends written bids on company letterhead with a phone number and address, from local companies when possible. TDI Ask how many years the local office has operated; it matters under the disaster payment rule below.
• Legal entity. The Texas Comptroller's free Franchise Tax Account Status search shows whether a corporation or LLC has the right to transact business in Texas. Texas Comptroller The name should match the contract and insurance certificate.
• Liability insurance. Ask for a certificate of insurance and call the companies listed to verify the coverage, as TDI advises. TDI
• Workers' compensation. Texas private employers can choose not to carry it; those that don't are called non-subscribers. TDI Division of Workers' Compensation The Texas Attorney General advises confirming a contractor has disability and workers' compensation insurance, because you could be liable for accidents on your property if the contractor is uninsured. Texas Attorney General

City registration and permits

Requirements are set locally. Dallas's contractor registration form lists roofing contractors among registered general contractors, City of Dallas and its permitting guide requires a residential roofing permit when materials and labor exceed $500, applied for by a registered roofing contractor or a homeowner doing the work on a verified homestead. City of Dallas San Antonio requires home improvement and residential building contractors to register before receiving a permit, including a background check and liability insurance certificate. City of San Antonio

Ask who will pull the permit and confirm any required registration with the city. The guides for Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio link to official permit resources.

Credentials and reputation

• RCAT Licensed Roofing Contractor. This voluntary program requires a principal of a roofing company domiciled in Texas for at least two continuous years at a fixed physical address, proof of insurance, and passing business and safety plus roofing exams. RCAT, RCAT exam rules It is a private credential, not a government license. Verify any manufacturer certification on the manufacturer's own website.
• References and BBB. TDI recommends calling references and the Better Business Bureau. TDI BBB ratings run from A+ to F and reflect complaint history and time in business, but not customer reviews, and are not a guarantee of performance. BBB Check reviews on more than one site.
• Attorney General complaints. Complaints filed with the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division are generally public, and anyone can request copies through an open records request. Texas Attorney General There is no instant online lookup, so request early.

The estimate, contract, and warranty

TDI suggests at least three bids and notes your adjuster can give you an idea of what the repair should cost. TDI Each estimate should list roof sections and measurements, materials by brand and product line, what is included (tear-off, decking, flashing, vents, gutters), who obtains the permit, and the schedule and payment terms. Compare them with the inspection and estimate guide.

The Attorney General advises writing guarantees into the contract, stating what is covered, who is responsible (the dealer, contractor, or manufacturer), and for how long. Texas Attorney General

Red flags

Door knocking and pressure to sign

TDI warns that out-of-town scam artists may be the first at your door after a disaster. TDI The Attorney General advises against being pushed into signing right away and to be suspicious of low-ball estimates or anyone who won't leave a contract overnight. Texas Attorney General

An offer to waive or "work in" your deductible

Texas Insurance Code Section 707.002 requires you to pay your deductible. Business and Commerce Code Section 27.02 makes it a Class B misdemeanor for a seller to advertise, promise, or provide insurance-funded work while paying, waiving, absorbing, rebating, or otherwise helping you avoid the deductible without the insurer's consent. It also requires contracts of $1,000 or more expected to be paid from an insurance claim to include a bold deductible notice. Insurance Code Ch. 707, Business and Commerce Code Ch. 27 Your insurer may ask for proof of payment, such as a canceled check or signed payment plan, before releasing withheld depreciation. Insurance Code Sec. 707.004, TDI TDI says to find a new contractor and report the offer to the Texas Attorney General at 800-621-0508. TDI

A large payment before work starts

TDI advises never paying the full bill up front and being wary of a large down payment. TDI Business and Commerce Code Chapter 58 applies to repairing property damaged by a natural disaster, such as a storm, when the governor or a county judge has issued a disaster declaration. A covered contractor may not require payment before work begins, and partial payments may not exceed an amount reasonably proportionate to the work performed and materials delivered. The contract must be in writing with a bold notice of these rules. The chapter does not apply to a contractor with a physical business address for at least one year in your county or an adjacent county. Business and Commerce Code Ch. 58

Pay by check or credit card for a record. TDI If your mortgage company is on the insurance check, read the mortgage company check guide before agreeing to a payment schedule.

Paperwork that commits you early

TDI warns that some contractors present a contract as an estimate or a release "just to go on your roof," and advises against signing anything with blank spaces or language like "Homeowner agrees to the listed repairs for the value of insurance proceeds," which gives the contractor your entire insurance payment. TDI

A roofer who offers to "handle your claim"

Texas Insurance Code Section 4102.163 prohibits a contractor from acting as a public adjuster, or advertising to adjust claims, on property where it provides or may provide contracting services, even with a public adjuster license or your power of attorney. Insurance Code Ch. 4102 TDI's examples of improper conduct include offering to negotiate a settlement and promising to recover "every dime you are owed." TDI A roofer may still provide estimates and discuss them and other technical information with your insurer. TDI Bulletin B-0008-24

How the roofer fits into your hail claim

Document and report first

Photograph the damage, keep damaged items until your insurer gives permission, and save receipts for temporary repairs. TDI Tell your insurer as soon as possible: some policies have a one-year deadline unless you show good cause, and Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) policyholders have one year from the date of damage. TDI home insurance guide See the damage guide, claim record downloads, and deadlines guide.

Use the adjuster's estimate as a benchmark

The Attorney General suggests getting your adjuster's estimate as a benchmark before negotiating with contractors. Texas Attorney General TDI suggests having your contractor at the adjuster's inspection to discuss estimates. TDI home insurance guide A full contract can wait until you see the insurer's estimate. Ask the roofer to tell you about any contact with your insurer on additional work or costs. TDI See deductibles and roof payments.

Your three-day right to cancel

If a roofer solicits you at home and you sign there, Business and Commerce Code Chapter 601 generally lets you cancel until midnight of the third business day after signing. The merchant must give you the contract with a bold notice of this right and a cancellation form. Exceptions include a sale made after negotiations at the merchant's fixed business location. Business and Commerce Code Ch. 601 Keep proof that you delivered the notice.

Public adjusters and attorneys

A TDI-licensed public adjuster can negotiate a denied or underpaid claim for you. TDI says public adjusters can charge up to 10% of the total claim payment, cannot act as your contractor, and cannot solicit door to door during a natural disaster. You can cancel their contract within 72 hours, and TDI's Help Line (800-252-3439) can confirm a license and complaint history. TDI For disaster damage, TDI notes you must generally give the insurer written notice at least 61 days before suing. TDI home insurance guide The denied or underpaid claims guide links to complaint and legal referral help.

Printable roofer checklist

Keep this with your claim record.

• [ ] Local physical address and years there: ________
• [ ] Legal name matches contract, insurance certificate, and Comptroller status
• [ ] City registration confirmed (if required)
• [ ] Liability and workers' compensation coverage confirmed with the insurer
• [ ] RCAT or manufacturer certification verified with the issuer (if claimed)
• [ ] References, BBB profile, and reviews checked
• [ ] Three written, itemized bids listing materials, scope, permit, and timeline
• [ ] Stated price, no blanks, and the deductible notice for contracts of $1,000 or more
• [ ] No large upfront payment; payments tied to work completed
• [ ] Warranties and, if signed at home, the three-day cancellation notice in writing
• [ ] Damage photographed, claim reported, and adjuster's estimate received
• [ ] Roofer is not offering to negotiate or settle your claim

Frequently asked questions

Does Texas require roofers to be licensed?

No. Texas has no state roofing contractor license. RCAT Some cities, such as Dallas and San Antonio, require contractor registration for permits. City of Dallas, City of San Antonio

Can a roofer pay my deductible in Texas?

No. You must pay your deductible, and a seller who waives, absorbs, or rebates it without the insurer's consent commits a Class B misdemeanor. Insurance Code Ch. 707, Business and Commerce Code Ch. 27 Report offers to the Texas Attorney General at 800-621-0508. TDI

How long do I have to file a hail claim in Texas?

It depends on your policy. Some use a one-year deadline unless you show good cause, and TWIA policies allow one year from the date of damage. TDI home insurance guide Report damage as soon as possible.

What does an RCAT license mean?

The holder met the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas program requirements, including at least two years as a principal of a Texas-domiciled roofing company, and passed its exams. It is a voluntary industry credential, not a state license. RCAT

Can my roofer talk to my insurance adjuster?

Yes, about estimates and technical repair details. A contractor may not act as your public adjuster or negotiate your claim. TDI Bulletin B-0008-24

Can I cancel a roofing contract I signed at my door?

Generally yes, until midnight of the third business day after signing, when the sale was solicited and agreed to away from the roofer's place of business. Exceptions apply. Business and Commerce Code Ch. 601

Sources

All checked October 14, 2026.

1. Houston Public Media, "What the hail? Are hailstorms getting worse in Texas?" (May 19, 2026), citing the Insurance Information Institute: https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/weather/2026/05/19/552298/what-the-hail-are-hailstorms-getting-worse-in-texas/
2. National Insurance Crime Bureau (republishing KVUE), "For the 11th straight year, Texas is the hail damage capital of the US": https://www.nicb.org/news/regional-news/11th-straight-year-texas-hail-damage-capital-us
3. Roofing Contractors Association of Texas, licensing program: https://www.rcat.net/licensing.html
4. RCAT, licensing exam information and rules: https://web.rcat.net/External/WCPages/WCWebContent/webcontentpage.aspx?ContentID=101
5. TDI, "How to avoid contracting scams": https://www.tdi.texas.gov/tips/contractor-scams.html
6. TDI, "Do you know the signs of a contracting scam?": https://www.tdi.texas.gov/consumer/storms/know-signs-of-contractor-scam.html
7. TDI, "Is it OK for a contractor to waive my deductible?": https://www.tdi.texas.gov/tips/can-a-contractor-waive-my-deductible.html
8. TDI, "Roofing and insurance: Know the law": https://tdi.texas.gov/consumer/storms/roofing-and-insurance-know-the-law.html
9. TDI, Commissioner's Bulletin B-0008-24: https://www.tdi.texas.gov/bulletins/2024/B-0008-24.html
10. TDI, "Public adjusters: What to know before you hire one": https://www.tdi.texas.gov/tips/public-adjusters.html
11. TDI, Home insurance guide: https://www.tdi.texas.gov/pubs/consumer/cb025.html
12. TDI, "Hail damage? Tips to file an insurance claim": https://www.tdi.texas.gov/column/hail-damage-tips-to-file-an-insurance-claim.html
13. TDI Division of Workers' Compensation, non-subscribers: https://www.tdi.texas.gov/wc/nonsubscriber.html
14. Texas Insurance Code Chapter 707 (payment of deductible): https://tcss.legis.texas.gov/resources/IN/htm/IN.707.htm
15. Texas Insurance Code Chapter 4102 (public insurance adjusters, including Sec. 4102.163): https://tcss.legis.texas.gov/resources/IN/htm/IN.4102.htm
16. Texas Business and Commerce Code Chapter 27 (Sec. 27.02, deductibles): https://tcss.legis.texas.gov/resources/BC/htm/BC.27.htm
17. Texas Business and Commerce Code Chapter 58 (disaster remediation contracts): https://tcss.legis.texas.gov/resources/BC/htm/BC.58.htm
18. Texas Business and Commerce Code Chapter 601 (cancellation of certain consumer transactions): https://tcss.legis.texas.gov/resources/BC/htm/BC.601.htm
19. Texas Attorney General, Disaster scams: https://texasattorneygeneral.gov/consumer-protection/disaster-and-emergency-scams/disaster-scams
20. Texas Attorney General, Filing a complaint FAQ: https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/consumer-protection/file-consumer-complaint/filing-complaint-faq
21. Texas Comptroller, Franchise Tax Account Status: https://www.comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/franchise/coas-instructions.php
22. City of Dallas, contractor registration application: https://dallascityhall.com/departments/sustainabledevelopment/buildinginspection/DCH%20documents/pdf/BI_GeneralContractor_RegistrationForm_10-16-2017.pdf
23. City of Dallas, Planning and Development Guide: https://dallascityhall.com/departments/sustainabledevelopment/guide/Pages/default.aspx
24. City of San Antonio Development Services, Building and Home Improvement contractors: https://www.sa.gov/Directory/Departments/DSD/Contractor/Building-Home-Improvement
25. Better Business Bureau, Overview of ratings: https://www.bbb.org/about/overview-of-ratings