Filing a Storm Damage Claim in Texas

Immediate Documentation Steps

Begin the claim process by thoroughly documenting all damage before any cleanup or repairs. Take extensive photographs and videos from multiple angles, capturing both wide shots showing the full extent of damage and close-ups detailing specific issues. Document both exterior and interior damage, including water intrusion paths, structural impacts, and affected personal property. Create a preliminary inventory of damaged items with estimated values. If safe to do so, preserve evidence of damage caused, such as fallen tree sections or hail samples (stored in your freezer). This comprehensive documentation provides crucial leverage during the claims process, particularly if disputes arise about damage extent or causation.

Prompt Notification Process

Contact your insurance company immediately, as Texas policies typically require "prompt" notification, usually interpreted as within 24-72 hours when practically possible. Most insurers offer multiple reporting channels—mobile apps, online portals, or 24-hour phone lines—to facilitate timely reporting during widespread storm events. Provide basic information, including your policy number, damage description, and whether the property is uninhabitable. Request a claim number and your assigned adjuster's contact information during this initial report. For catastrophic events affecting multiple counties, Texas sometimes implements special insurance claim handling procedures, so ask whether any emergency claim protocols apply to your situation.

Mitigation Responsibilities

Texas insurance policies include specific "duties after loss" requiring reasonable steps to prevent further damage. Cover damaged roofs with tarps to prevent additional water intrusion. Remove standing water to minimize structural damage and mold growth. Secure broken windows and doors to prevent unauthorized entry and additional weather exposure. Keep detailed records and receipts for all emergency repairs and mitigation expenses, as these costs are typically reimbursable under Texas policies. Failure to take reasonable protective measures could potentially reduce your claim settlement, as insurers may deny coverage for damage that occurs after the initial storm event if it could have been prevented.

Adjuster Interaction Strategy

Prepare thoroughly for the adjuster's inspection to maximize claim outcomes. Compile relevant documents before their arrival, including your policy, previous home improvement records, and pre-storm photographs, if available. Accompany the adjuster during the inspection, pointing out all damaged areas, including less obvious issues like roof damage, which are visible only from certain angles. Request a copy of the adjuster's damage assessment before they leave, reviewing it for completeness. If the adjuster seems to overlook or minimize certain damages, request clarification during the inspection rather than waiting for the written estimate. For significant damage claims, consider hiring your own public adjuster licensed by the Texas Department of Insurance to represent your interests.

Claim Settlement Considerations

Review settlement offers carefully before accepting, as initial proposals often underestimate total repair costs. Obtain independent repair estimates from licensed Texas contractors to compare against the insurer's figures. Remember that Texas law prohibits insurers from forcing you to use specific contractors for repairs. For significant disagreements, utilize your policy's appraisal clause, which provides a structured process for resolving valuation disputes through neutral evaluation. For delayed or denied claims, Texas insurance regulations specify strict timelines—insurers must accept or reject claims within 15 business days after receiving all requested documentation, with payment due within five business days after acceptance.