A step-by-step playbook for navigating your insurance claim — from the first phone call to your final check. A free guide from Fidel Miranda GC.
Insurance claims are designed to be confusing. Even policyholders who pay premiums for decades don't know what they're entitled to. Three common mistakes:
The adjuster's first estimate is a starting point. Read it line by line, compare it with your own photos and a contractor's repair scope, and ask your insurer to explain anything that looks missing before you accept it.
The first check (ACV) isn't the full payout. If you cash it and don't do the work, you lose the recoverable depreciation — sometimes the biggest part of the claim.
Out-of-state contractors show up after every hailstorm, take your deposit, do shoddy work, and leave. Look for a local address, a phone number you can call back, and proof of insurance before you sign anything.
Click any phase to expand. Check off items as you complete them. The progress bar at the top tracks your overall completion.
We get involved at Phase 3 (pre-adjuster inspection) and stay through Phase 12. Our involvement is free until you sign a contract.
A storm, fire, water leak, or other event has damaged your property. The clock is now ticking. Insurance policies require you to mitigate further damage (stop the bleeding) and document the loss. Failing either can reduce your payout.
You're officially opening a claim. The insurance company will assign you a claim number and a claims adjuster. The adjuster is the insurance company's employee — their job is to determine what your insurance will pay. Remember: they work for the insurance company, not for you.
This is the most important phase most homeowners skip. We can inspect your property FIRST, document the damage with a dated bilingual photo log, and prepare a repair scope with pricing that you can share with your insurer. The claim stays yours: you speak with your insurer and adjuster, and we explain the repair work.
Adjusters see hundreds of claims per month and move fast. Your own photos and a written repair scope help make sure nothing is overlooked.
The adjuster comes to the property to assess damage. At your request your contractor can attend to answer technical questions about the repair work, such as materials, quantities and code requirements. Decisions about coverage and the amount of the claim are between you and your insurer.
The adjuster sends you an estimate (usually in Xactimate format — the industry-standard pricing software). It lists every line item with quantity, removal price, replacement price, tax, and O&P (Overhead & Profit). If you want a repair price to compare, send us a copy and we will price the repair work from what we documented.
Once you decide Fidel Miranda GC is doing the work, you sign our Master Bid Package: cover letter, scope of work, contract terms. Read every page before you sign.
Insurance issues the first check — the Actual Cash Value (ACV) amount minus your deductible. This is the depreciated value of the loss. If you have a mortgage, the check is usually made out to you AND your mortgage company. Both must endorse it.
We pull permits, order materials, and execute the work. For a typical roof replacement: Day 1 = tear-off + decking inspection, Day 2 = underlayment + flashing, Day 3 = shingles + cleanup. Larger or more complex projects take longer.
Mid-project, a contractor sometimes finds damage the adjuster didn't list: rotted decking under shingles, hidden water damage, additional code requirements. You can ask your insurer to review a supplemental claim; we provide photos, documentation and repair pricing to support it. Your insurer decides whether to approve additional payment.
Work is substantially complete. We walk the property with you, top to bottom, and create a "punch list" of any final touch-ups. We fix everything on the punch list before you write the final check.
With the work complete and the Certificate of Completion signed, we submit the final invoice + completion docs to your insurance. The insurance releases the Recoverable Depreciation — the difference between Actual Cash Value and Replacement Cost Value. This is the second check.
Project closed. Now you protect yourself for the long term. Your Fidel Miranda GC workmanship warranty (1 year) starts. Your shingle manufacturer warranty (typically 25–50 years depending on grade) activates. Keep your records — they're worth money on resale and in future claims.
Bilingual definitions — because the insurance industry is full of jargon designed to confuse you.
After every major storm, predatory contractors descend on neighborhoods. Here's how to spot them.
Out-of-state contractors who knock on doors after hailstorms. They take your deposit, do shoddy work, and leave before warranty claims arise. Some Texas cities require contractors to register. Ask where they are registered and check it.
Legitimate GCs work with the insurance flow. ACV at signing, depreciation at completion. Anyone demanding cash up front or refusing to wait for insurance is hiding something.
Never sign a blank contract or one with missing line items. Every contract should have a defined scope, price, and timeline before your signature.
If a contractor can start instantly, ask why they have so much availability. Quality GCs have a 1–4 week pipeline. Instant availability usually means they just lost a job (bad sign).
This is insurance fraud. It's illegal under Texas law and federal law. Any contractor offering to waive your deductible is committing a crime — and putting you at legal risk.
If their business card has only a cell number and no street address, they're a fly-by-night operation. Demand to see their physical business location and GL insurance certificate.
Bilingual crews. Direct access to the owner.
Inspections and estimates are free until you sign a contract for the actual work.
English and Spanish. Our crews speak English and Spanish, so there are no language barriers.
We read Xactimate estimates and explain repair scope, materials and code requirements in plain language. We do not negotiate claims or advise on coverage.
Fidel Miranda General Contractor, LLC, Irving, TX. Certificate of insurance available on request. Fidel Miranda has worked in DFW construction since 2005.
You'll deal directly with Fidel Miranda (owner) or Ben Grisel (project executive). Not a call center. Not a sales rep. The decision-makers.
1-year Fidel Miranda GC workmanship warranty on every job. Plus manufacturer warranties (25–50 years depending on shingle grade) pass through to you.
Call us BEFORE your insurance adjuster comes out. We'll inspect for free and give you a documented repair scope with pricing. There's no obligation.