The short answer
Make your home safe, make temporary repairs, document everything and report the claim promptly. Keep receipts for living expenses if you can’t stay home. Many residential claims settle fairly without outside help; a public adjuster mainly helps when the claim is large or stuck.
Safety and temporary repairs
Stay out of damaged areas and off the roof. Once it is safe, cover openings and dry what you can, and keep every receipt. The Texas Department of Insurance advises making only the repairs needed to prevent further damage until the insurer says otherwise. The first 24 hours · temporary repairs
Document and report
Photograph every room and every side of the house before cleanup, list damaged belongings, and report the claim promptly. Documentation checklist · reporting the claim
If you can’t stay at home
Many home policies include additional living expense coverage. Check yours, and keep hotel, meal and travel receipts.
Roofers and contracts
Get more than one estimate, read any contract before you sign, and be wary of anyone who pressures you at the door or offers to cover your deductible. Cancellation rights for home repair contracts vary by state; check with your state’s attorney general or department of insurance.
When a public adjuster isn’t worth it on a home claim
If the damage is modest and the insurer’s estimate is close to your roofer’s, a public adjuster’s fee may cost more than it adds. A public adjuster mainly helps when the claim is large, the estimates are far apart, or talks have stalled. Do I need a public adjuster?
A note for Kansas
The Kansas Insurance Department says Kansas public adjuster licenses cover only commercial lines, and residential public adjusting is neither prohibited nor licensed in Kansas (Kansas Insurance Department: Public adjusters). If you are considering help on a Kansas home claim, keep that in mind.
More: the step-by-step storm claim guide · storm damage claims.
Sources
Last checked: October 28, 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.