Common Home Insurance Claim Mistakes 

Inadequate Storm Damage Documentation

Texas homeowners frequently underestimate the importance of comprehensive storm damage documentation, particularly following hail and wind events. Many policyholders take only a few photos of obvious damage while missing less visible impacts like roof granule loss, gutter denting, or HVAC unit damage that adjusters need to see. Failing to document water intrusion patterns during storms creates coverage disputes when insurers question whether the damage resulted from wind-driven rain (covered) versus flood water (excluded). Not photographing pre-storm property conditions makes it difficult to distinguish new damage from pre-existing issues. Texas's frequent severe weather makes thorough documentation immediately after storms essential, as secondary damage from delayed repairs can complicate claims and reduce settlements.

Delayed Claim Reporting

Texas homeowners often delay reporting claims due to uncertainty about the extent of damage or hoping to avoid premium increases. However, Texas's Prompt Payment Act establishes specific timelines that favor immediate reporting, and delayed notification can jeopardize coverage or create disputes about damage causation. Some homeowners wait until spring to report winter storm damage or delay hail claim reporting until roof leaks develop, making it harder to establish storm-related causation. Texas's rapid weather changes mean that delaying claim reporting allows additional weather events to potentially cause similar damage, creating confusion about which storm caused specific damage. Most policies require "prompt" notification, typically interpreted as within 30-60 days, though immediate reporting provides the strongest coverage position.

Misunderstanding Coverage Boundaries

Texas homeowners frequently misunderstand the boundaries between different insurance coverages, leading to claim filing errors. Many assume their homeowner's policy covers all weather-related damage, not realizing that flood damage requires separate coverage even when caused by the same storm that creates covered wind damage. Coastal property owners sometimes file wind damage claims with standard insurers when separate windstorm coverage through TWIA is required. Confusion about mold coverage leads to improper claim expectations, as Texas policies typically exclude mold except when resulting from covered water damage and are reported promptly. Understanding which policy covers specific damage types prevents filing claims with the wrong insurers and ensures proper coverage utilization.

Contractor-Related Missteps

Accepting contractor offers to "eat the deductible" or inflate claims represents illegal practices that can void coverage and create legal liability. Some Texas homeowners sign agreements allowing contractors to represent them in insurance negotiations without understanding that this may conflict with policy requirements for policyholder cooperation. Proceeding with repairs before an adjuster inspection can eliminate evidence needed for proper claim settlement. Starting emergency repairs without documenting pre-repair damage conditions makes it difficult to establish the full loss extent. While Texas law prohibits insurers from requiring specific contractors, choosing unqualified or unlicensed contractors can create repair quality issues that complicate claim resolution and future coverage.