Public Adjusters in Texas: TDI Rules for Roof Claims

The short answer

If your homeowners claim is denied—or you think the insurer should pay more—you may hire a public insurance adjuster to negotiate for you. The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) says they must be licensed, can charge up to 10% of the total claim payment, cannot also act as your contractor, and you have 72 hours after signing to cancel the contract.

What a public adjuster does

TDI’s tip page on public adjusters (last updated 3/25/2025) explains that you can hire a public insurance adjuster to negotiate with your insurance company to settle your claim. Public adjusters understand the claims process and are licensed by TDI.

Hiring one is optional. Many East Texas roof claims move with your insurer’s adjuster, your own documentation, and a qualified roofer’s estimate. A public adjuster is one path when talks stall—not a required step for every storm.

Fees: up to 10% of the whole settlement

TDI states public adjusters can charge up to 10% of the total amount the company will pay for your claim—not just the disputed slice. TDI’s example: if the company wants to pay $100,000 and you are disputing $20,000, the public adjuster could charge $10,000.

TDI also notes:

You can ask for the fee as a dollar amount instead of a percentage in the contract.
If the insurer does not increase its offer after you hire the public adjuster, you might still have to pay them.
You still owe your deductible.

Read the math before you sign. A percentage of a large roof settlement is real money.

How to choose—and what TDI will tell you

TDI suggests asking friends and family, checking consumer reviews, and calling the Help Line at 800-252-3439 to learn:

Whether the public adjuster is licensed by TDI
How many complaints have been filed against them
Whether TDI has taken disciplinary actions

What public adjusters cannot do (Texas law highlights from TDI)

Under Texas law, as summarized by TDI, public insurance adjusters who work on your claim cannot act as your contractor. Likewise, contractors cannot advertise that they will handle your insurance claim.

TDI also lists that public adjusters cannot:

Knock on your door asking for business during a natural disaster or after 9 p.m.
Wear a badge while working as a public insurance adjuster
Practice law or provide legal advice
Work on health care claims
Get referral fees from attorneys, contractors, or anyone else involved in your claim
Keep you from talking with your insurance company

To report a public adjuster, call TDI at 800-252-3439 or file a complaint through TDI’s process.

Before you sign: questions and the 72-hour window

TDI says to ask how much they charge (you can try to negotiate a lower fee) and make sure the contract answers:

Will you inspect my damaged property?
Will you talk to my insurance company and ask for a larger amount?
How long will it take you to settle my claim?

If you change your mind, TDI states you have 72 hours after you’ve signed a contract to cancel it. After 72 hours, you cannot get out of the contract under that tip’s cancel window. TDI also links a sample contract PDF from that page.

How this fits an East Texas roof path

A roofer’s written quote and clear photos still help whether or not you hire a public adjuster. Document damage, keep temporary-repair receipts when appropriate, and know your claim rights. If you are stuck after talking to the company, yesterday’s guide on TDI’s complaint process is another option TDI describes.

East Texas Roof Quotes is a referral service run by TX Lead Forge. It doesn’t handle insurance claims. Your request is sent to one participating local roofer who pays for the referral. The quote is free to you, with no obligation. This article does not invent claim outcomes, deductible waivers, or payment guarantees.

Takeaway: A public adjuster can help on a disputed roof claim, but TDI’s rules on licensing, the 10% fee cap framing, contractor separation, and the 72-hour cancel window should be in your notebook before anyone knocks after a storm.