Understanding Homeowners Insurance Claims in Houston
When your home is damaged, you count on your homeowner’s insurance to help cover repairs and losses. In Houston and across Texas, common claims arise from wind, hail, water leaks, freeze, and fire damage. Flood damage usually requires separate NFIP coverage, but most policies cover roof damage from storms. It’s important to document everything (photos of damage, repair estimates, receipts) and notify your insurer promptly. Your first steps after a covered loss should be:
- Document the damage: Take clear photos/videos of all affected areas and belongings before anything is moved or repaired.
- Secure your home: Make temporary fixes (like tarping a roof or boarding windows) to prevent further loss and save receipts.
- Notify your insurer quickly: Call your agent or insurer’s claims line as soon as possible (Texas insurers want notice “immediately” and most policies require filing within one year of the loss.
- Keep good records: Save emails, claim numbers, and detailed notes of every call or visit with the insurance company.
Texas law requires insurers to follow a strict timeline once you file a claim. By statute, an insurance company must acknowledge receipt of your claim in writing within 15 days and must accept or deny it within 45 days of getting all necessary information. If your claim is approved, the insurer must pay within 5 business days of approval. If the insurer takes longer without valid reason, it owes you extra. In fact, Texas law says that if payment is delayed beyond those deadlines, the company must pay 18% interest on the claim amount and your attorney fees. In other words, prompt action is on your side by law.
Did you know? The policyholder bears the burden of proof in a claim. That means you need evidence to show the damage and that it’s covered. If your insurer challenges the cause of loss, an attorney can help gather experts and documentation to demonstrate your claim’s validity. This early groundwork can make or break a claim.
No one expects property damage, but knowing these basics puts you in control. If you have questions about a Houston home insurance claim or need help interpreting your policy, JCE Law Group’s Houston homeowners insurance attorneys are here to guide you every step of the way.
When to Hire a Houston Homeowners Insurance Attorney
You can start a claim on your own, but insurance companies have experienced teams whose goal is to minimize payouts. If your claim is denied, underpaid, or unreasonably delayed, that’s a signal to get help. An experienced Houston homeowners insurance attorney understands Texas insurance laws and will protect your rights. For example, a skilled attorney will check that your insurer meets its legal deadlines and will demand compliance if not. We negotiate directly with adjusters and, if needed, enforce your rights in court. As one firm notes, lawyers “have a deep understanding of insurance laws and regulations,” which ensures your claim is handled properly. Attorneys are also adept negotiators who can push for maximum compensation allowed under your policy.
You should consider calling a lawyer if:
- Your claim was denied or underpaid. An attorney can review the denial letter and your policy to see if the company acted unlawfully.
- The insurer delays or stalls. Texas law requires timely claim handling; unexplained delays can entitle you to extra penalties.
- You received a lowball offer. Adjusters may not always fully account for damage. A lawyer will negotiate with estimates from trusted contractors and experts.
- Your loss is complex or large. Major events (like hurricane damage, roof failures, or widespread water damage) often have complicated claims. Legal guidance ensures every aspect (structural, contents, living expenses) is claimed.
- There’s confusion over coverage. Insurance policies can be confusing. If the insurer argues that damage isn’t covered (for example blaming a flood or an excluded wear-and-tear cause), an attorney can interpret the policy and challenge improper denials.
Remember, insurance companies have their own attorneys and adjusters working to save money. Having your own lawyer levels the playing field. We handle communications so you don’t have to get lost in paperwork or jargon. We know, for instance, that Texas requires a special pre-suit notice letter for certain claims: within 61 days of filing suit you must notify the insurer in writing of the loss amount and any attorney fees, or you could waive the right to recover fees. Your attorney will handle these details correctly.
In short, a Houston homeowners insurance attorney protects your interests from day one. If you suspect bad faith tactics (like the insurer ignoring new damages or asking for irrelevant personal info), we step in. We fight to make sure you receive the full compensation you deserve – not just what the insurer first offers.
How JCE Law Group Helps with Houston Homeowners Insurance Claims
JCE Law Group is a Houston-based law firm dedicated to property insurance cases. Our team has helped homeowners throughout Texas who suffered storm damage, fires, leaks and other losses. Because we focus on insurance law every day, we know the details that matter. We start by listening: we’ll go through your policy with you to confirm what is (and isn’t) covered. We then guide you through building a strong claim package – collecting contractor bids, photographic evidence, and estimates of your losses. These thorough records leave little room for an insurer to underpay or deny what’s owed.
Our lawyers work closely with industry experts. For example, we consult engineers after storm damage to document structural issues. We also coordinate with home inspectors, public adjusters, and specialists to ensure every hidden problem is identified. When we submit your claim, we press it according to Texas law: insurers must acknowledge claims in 15 days and decide within 45 days. If they don’t, we will hold them to account (Texas law fines delayed payments with interest plus attorneys’ fees.
Because Houston is hit by hurricanes, storms, and floods, we understand local issues. As one resource notes, Texas homes face almost every kind of property loss – hail, fire, flood, hurricanes, freezes, and more. We’ve seen the patterns local insurers follow after major storms and have developed strategies to counter them. For example, if an insurer disputes the cause of damage (like claiming it was a non-covered cause), we gather evidence to prove otherwise – Texas law places the burden of proof on the homeowner, so having an attorney can make a crucial difference.
Importantly, we handle the paperwork and deadlines so you can focus on recovery. If litigation is necessary, we prepare everything needed – including the statutorily required notice letters and filings under Texas Insurance Code Chapter 542 and 542A. Our clients benefit from clear communication: we explain each step, keep you updated, and fight for a fair outcome. Hiring JCE Law Group means you have a trusted advocate in Houston who knows both the law and the local insurance landscape.
Ready to learn how we can help with your homeowners insurance claim? Contact JCE Law Group for a free consultation. Our Houston home insurance attorneys will review your case, answer your questions, and explain what steps to take next.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long do I have to file a homeowners insurance claim in Texas?
A: You should notify your insurer as soon as possible after damage. Texas regulators encourage filing “immediately” after a covered loss, and in practice most policies require claims to be submitted within one year of the incident. Waiting too long can jeopardize your claim, so acting quickly is important.
Q: What should I do if my insurance claim is denied or underpaid?
A: First, carefully read the insurer’s denial letter and your policy to understand the reason. Then gather any missing evidence or documentation the company points to. Often you can file an appeal with the insurer; if that doesn’t work, an attorney can help negotiate or, if needed, advise on sending a formal demand letter or lawsuit.
Q: Do I really need a Houston homeowners insurance attorney?
A: Not every claim does, but attorneys help when you face a dispute. If the loss is significant, or if the insurer is stalling or offering too little, a lawyer levels the playing field. We handle tough conversations with adjusters and use our knowledge of Texas law to protect your claim, leaving you free to focus on rebuilding.
Q: How much does a homeowners insurance attorney cost?
A: Many property insurance lawyers (including ours) work on a contingency fee basis. That means you owe nothing upfront – our fees come as a percentage of the recovery if we win or settle your claim. If we don’t get money for you, you don’t pay attorney fees. (You may still owe case costs in some situations, but we’ll explain all fees and options clearly from the start.)