An insurance policy is a contract between you and your insurer, complete with rules, responsibilities, and procedures both parties must follow. You pay premiums in return for coverage, so when life happens, you should exercise your right to file a claim and enforce the policy without fear of higher premiums or getting cancelled. Especially if the claim stems from a naturally occurring event or “act of God". When your home suffers damage from a fire, hailstorm, or other unexpected event, it's critical to know how to file a homeowners insurance claim.
If your claim involves theft, vandalism, or burglary, report it to local law enforcement immediately. File a police report and note the officer’s name, badge number, and report number. This documentation will strengthen your homeowners insurance claim and prevent processing delays.
Directory of Texas law enforcement agencies
You may be approached by a public insurance adjuster who wants you to sign a contract for their assistance. Most are well-meaning, but they are totally unnecessary in most cases. It's important to do your research on public adjusters, before signing anything.
Before filing, check your policy to confirm your loss is covered and determine your deductible. If the damage is less than your deductible, filing a claim may not be worth it. Understanding how to read a homeowners insurance policy helps you make informed decisions.
Ask about any deadlines in your policy or state law for filing, clarify how to submit your claim, and obtain a reference number or confirmation for your records. Make sure your claim will be covered and confirm your deductible amount to determine if you should make a claim or not. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the claims process and timeline. Make a claim if warranted and keep a copy for your records.
After taking pictures or video of the scene (if warranted), it’s your duty to protect your property from additional damage. Wait until an adjuster views the damage before you clean up or throw anything away. If you must relocate, find out what your policy will pay for and keep all your receipts.
Hopefully you already have an inventory of your stuff, including photos, videos, and receipts. If not, start a list and be as descriptive as possible, or your insurance company will assume your $400 Wolf Gourmet Toaster is a $7.88 Walmart special.
Create a comprehensive list of damaged or lost items: include descriptions, purchase dates, receipts (if available), and photos/videos. The more detailed your inventory, the stronger your claim; vague descriptions lead insurers to assume lower values.
There are deadlines set by Texas law, but insurance companies still find ways to delay. Make sure you provide them any requested information quickly. If your claim isn’t settled in a timely manner, it’s best to talk with an experienced insurance dispute attorney, as they can help guide you through, defend your rights, and get you paid.
If you aren’t sure about the claim, call your agent or contact the Texas Department of Insurance at (800) 252-3439. If you receive notice that the claim is denied or underpaid, seek help from an experienced insurance attorney.
After years of defending big insurance companies, Chip Lane decided to open his own firm to serve families and business owners needing help with insurance claims. With his years of experience and extensive knowledge of the insurance company’s tactics, he’s able to level the playing field and get claims approved.
The Lane Law Firm's experienced insurance attorneys know the ins and outs of Texas homeowners' insurance claim laws and are fully prepared to handle all types of disputes. We work on a contingency basis, meaning we only get paid if or when the claim is approved.