How Insurance Adjuster Have to Respond in Texas
When you file an insurance claim in Texas, the law provides strict timelines that insurance companies and their adjusters must follow. These rules are outlined under the Texas Prompt Payment of Claims Act, which protects policyholders from unnecessary delays.
Initial Response Deadline
Once you file a claim, your insurance company must acknowledge it within 15 calendar days. This includes confirming that they received your claim and beginning an investigation. At this stage, the adjuster may also request additional documents, such as photos, receipts, or proof of loss.
Decision on Claim
After receiving all required documentation from you, the adjuster and insurer have 15 business days to decide whether to approve or deny the claim. If they need more time due to complex circumstances, they may extend this deadline up to 45 days, but they must provide a written explanation for the delay.
Payment Timeline
If your claim is approved, the insurance company must issue payment within five business days after notifying you of the decision. For surplus lines insurers (non-standard carriers), this deadline may extend to 20 business days.
Failure to Meet Deadlines
If an adjuster or insurance company fails to meet these timelines without a valid reason, they can face penalties. Under Texas law, insurers may be required to pay interest on delayed payments, along with attorney fees if legal action becomes necessary. This guarantees policyholders aren't unfairly burdened by slow responses.
What Policyholders Should Do
To protect yourself, always:
- Keep records of all communication with your adjuster.
- Provide documents quickly to avoid unnecessary delays.
- Follow up in writing if deadlines pass without response.
- File a complaint with the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) if you believe your insurer is stalling.
Conclusion
In Texas, insurance adjusters must work within strict legal deadlines to handle claims fairly. Usually, you should hear back within 15 days of filing and receive a decision within 15 business days after submitting documentation. Knowing these rules helps you hold your insurer accountable and ensures you get the compensation you deserve in a timely manner.