This is one of the most common questions homeowners ask after a storm:
“Do I really need to pay my deductible?”
You may have heard neighbors, ads, or contractors say things like “We’ll cover your deductible” or “You won’t have to pay anything out of pocket.” While that might sound appealing, it often creates confusion — and in Texas, it can also create serious legal issues.
Let’s break this down clearly: how deductibles work, why they exist, and what Texas law specifically requires so you can protect yourself, your home, and your insurance claim.
The Short Answer: Yes, You Are Responsible for Your Deductible
If you file an insurance claim for roof damage, you are legally responsible for paying your deductible.
Your deductible is the portion of the loss you agreed to pay when you purchased your insurance policy. The insurance company pays the covered balance — but the deductible is always the homeowner’s responsibility.
Many homeowners also worry about how filing a claim affects their rates. If that’s a concern for you, we explain it clearly in our guide on
Will my insurance go up if I open a roof claim?
What Is a Deductible, Really?
A deductible is the amount of money you agree to contribute toward a covered loss before insurance pays.
Example only:
- Roof replacement cost: $20,000
- Deductible: $2,500
- Insurance pays: $17,500
- You pay: $2,500
Understanding your deductible also helps when reviewing how insurance checks are issued. If you’re unsure why claim payments are split or why lenders are involved, we explain that in
Understanding an insurance roof claim payout (including the mortgage company)
Why Deductibles Exist
Deductibles serve several important purposes:
- They reduce insurance fraud
- They prevent unnecessary claims
- They help control premium costs
- They create shared responsibility
Because deductibles affect your total project cost, it’s also important to understand how roofing prices are calculated overall. We break that down in
Why roof prices vary and what homeowners should expect
What Texas Law Says About Deductibles
This is where things become especially important for Texas homeowners.
Texas Insurance Code § 707
Under Texas law, it is illegal for a contractor to:
- Waive your deductible
- Rebate your deductible
- Pay your deductible on your behalf
- Advertise “free roofs” tied to insurance claims
This law applies to both the contractor and the homeowner if the homeowner knowingly participates.
Why Is It Illegal in Texas?
Texas enacted this law to protect homeowners and the insurance system.
When contractors waive deductibles, they often:
- Inflate invoices
- Cut corners on materials
- Skip required components
- Commit insurance billing fraud
These practices increase insurance costs statewide and leave homeowners exposed to future problems.
What Happens If a Contractor “Covers” the Deductible?
If a contractor offers to waive your deductible, the risks include:
- Insurance claim denial or clawback
- Fraud flags on your policy
- Repayment demands
- Coverage issues at renewal
These situations almost always hurt the homeowner — not the contractor.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Be cautious of phrases like:
- “Free roof”
- “No out-of-pocket cost”
- “Insurance pays everything”
- “We’ll work your deductible into the claim”
If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is — and in Texas, it may be illegal.
Can a Contractor Offer Discounts?
Yes — but with limits.
A contractor can:
- Offer transparent, market-based discounts
- Provide promotions unrelated to the deductible
A contractor cannot:
- Tie discounts directly to your deductible
- Falsify invoices
- Advertise deductible waivers
Transparency is the difference between legal savings and fraud.
What If I Can’t Afford My Deductible?
This is a real concern, and ethical contractors handle it properly.
Legal options may include:
- Payment plans
- Financing options
- Scheduling flexibility
In some cases, you may not even need a full roof replacement. We explain how to determine that in
How to know if you need a roof repair or a full replacement
Our Commitment at XYZ Roofing & Restorations
At XYZ Roofing & Restorations, we take Texas law and homeowner protection seriously.
Our approach:
- Clear deductible education
- Full compliance with Texas Insurance Code § 707
- Transparent pricing
- No “free roof” promises
- Protection of your claim and coverage
Final Thoughts
So, do you need to pay your insurance deductible?
Yes — and in Texas, it’s the law.
Paying your deductible protects:
- Your insurance coverage
- Your claim’s legitimacy
- Your home’s long-term value
The right contractor won’t look for shortcuts. They’ll educate you, follow the law, and install your roof correctly the first time.
If you have questions about your deductible, your policy, or storm damage, getting informed before acting is always the smartest move.
