How long does a roof replacement take?

Most residential roof replacements are completed in 1–3 days, depending on the size and complexity of your roof. We work efficiently while maintaining the highest quality standards.

Do you offer free estimates?

Yes! We provide free, no-obligation estimates for all roofing services. Call us at (956) 600-0501 or visit our contact page to get started.

What roofing materials do you use?

We use top-quality materials from trusted manufacturers including architectural shingles, metal roofing, and flat roofing systems. We'll recommend the best option for your home and budget.

Do you help with insurance claims?

Absolutely. We have extensive experience working with insurance companies. We'll document the damage, meet with adjusters, and ensure you get the coverage you deserve.

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Baccaro Roofing GuideWhen to Hire a Public Adjuster in Texas

May 29, 20265 min read

TL;DR: Public adjusters represent homeowners (not insurance carriers) and charge 10-25% of claim recovery. Worth it for complex claims over $30,000, denied claims, or multi-policy claims (TWIA + standard + flood). Skip for straightforward claims under $20,000 where your roofer's documentation is strong. Texas requires public adjusters to be licensed by TDI.

Most RGV roof claims don't need a public adjuster. Most homeowners can succeed with their roofer's documentation + their own attention. But for the ~10-15% of claims where things get complex, a public adjuster pays for themselves several times over.

What a public adjuster does

Public adjusters: - Review your insurance policy for coverage - Inspect damage and document it - Estimate scope and cost of repair - Negotiate with the insurance carrier on your behalf - File supplemental claims when needed - Can take a denied claim through appraisal or litigation

They are licensed by [Texas Department of Insurance](https://www.tdi.texas.gov/agent/) and bound by professional ethics standards.

When to hire one

### Yes, hire a PA if:

1. Your claim was denied entirely - Reason: PA can review, request re-inspection, escalate - Typical fee: 20-25% of recovery - Math: 80-75% of $0 (denied) is still much better than 100% of $0

2. Partial denial > 25% of total claim - Adjuster paid $8,000 of a $20,000 actual claim - PA negotiates to recover the missing $12,000 - Typical fee: 15-25% of the recovered amount

3. Multi-policy claim (TWIA + homeowners + flood) - Brownsville/Port Isabel/South Padre coastal claims often involve TWIA + standard + NFIP - Each carrier may dispute attribution - Coordination is complex; PA streamlines

4. Complex commercial property claim - Multi-tenant retail, warehouse, multi-family - Business interruption + property damage - Multiple stakeholders - Often $50,000+ claims

5. Claim over $50,000 - Stakes high enough that 15% fee = $7,500+ - PA expertise tends to recover 20-40% more than DIY

6. You're physically unable to handle the back-and-forth - Elderly homeowner - Health issues - Out-of-state owner

### No, skip the PA if:

1. Straightforward claim under $20,000 - Your roofer's documentation is solid - Adjuster paid full scope - DIY savings: 10-25% of $20k = $2k-$5k retained

2. Carrier already paid full scope - No dispute exists - No reason to share with a PA

3. Damage is clearly wear-and-tear - A PA can't manufacture coverage where the policy excludes - Don't waste PA fees on a guaranteed loss

4. You have a relationship with the carrier - USAA / state-sponsored carriers often work cooperatively - Direct communication may resolve faster than PA escalation

How to choose a public adjuster

### Verification

License check: TDI online database confirms current license
Years in business: 5+ years preferable
Texas-specific experience: TWIA, hurricane, hail
Reviews: Google + BBB + state association membership

### Fee structure

Standard: 10-25% of recovery (varies by complexity)
Pre-loss agreements (signed before damage): typically lower fees
Post-loss agreements (signed after damage): typically higher fees
Texas law caps fees: 10% for claims involving certain catastrophic events

Get the fee in writing before signing.

### Red flags

No license — illegal in Texas; walk away
Charges upfront — most PAs are paid only on recovery
Pressure to sign immediately — claim review takes time
Promises specific outcomes — they can't guarantee
Door-knocks after a storm — many storm-chaser PAs are fly-by-night

How a PA differs from a contractor

Roofer (contractor): - Documents damage from a roofing perspective - Estimates repair/replacement cost - Performs the work - Limited scope to roofing

Public adjuster: - Reviews entire policy and coverage - Documents all damage (not just roof) - Negotiates entire scope - Doesn't perform the work — works in parallel with contractor

We work cooperatively with public adjusters on complex claims. Our documentation feeds the PA's negotiation; the PA handles policy interpretation and carrier strategy.

Texas public adjuster regulations

- Must be licensed by [Texas Department of Insurance](https://www.tdi.texas.gov/agent/) - Cannot also be a roofing contractor (conflict of interest) - Cannot solicit during a state of disaster declaration without 24-hour cooling-off - Subject to fee caps in catastrophic events - Cannot directly receive insurance funds (paid through homeowner)

If a PA violates these, file complaint with TDI.

Alternative: Appraisal Clause

Most Texas property insurance policies include an Appraisal Clause — a non-litigation dispute resolution path:

- Each side hires a licensed appraiser - The two appraisers agree on a third (umpire) - The decision is binding - Cheaper and faster than litigation

For mid-size disputes ($10k-$30k difference between scopes), appraisal is often more cost-effective than a PA.

Common questions

### How much will a PA actually recover?

Industry data: PAs recover 20-40% more than homeowners do on equivalent claims. After their fee, you typically net 10-25% more.

### Can a PA help with TWIA?

Yes. TWIA has its own dispute process; PAs experienced in TWIA know it. For Brownsville and coastal claims this is often valuable.

### Do I have to use my carrier's preferred contractor?

No. You always have the right to choose your own contractor. Carriers cannot legally require their preferred list.

### What if my PA doesn't recover anything?

Most PAs work on contingency — no recovery, no fee. Verify in writing.

### How fast does a PA resolve a claim?

Variable. Simple disputes: 30-60 days. Complex disputes: 6-12 months. Litigation: 1-3 years.

Get a roofer's claim review first

Before hiring a PA, have your roofer review the claim. We do this free. If we think a PA would add value, we'll say so. If your case is straightforward, we'll save you the 15-25% fee.

(956) 600-0501 — free claim review.