How to File a Homeowners Insurance Claim in Texas: A Step-by-Step Guide

A homeowners insurance claim is something most people hope they'll never need to file — and then suddenly do. Whether it's hail damage, a burst pipe, a fire, or a break-in, knowing what to do in the first hours and days after a loss makes a real difference in how smoothly your claim goes.

Here's a practical, step-by-step guide to filing a homeowners insurance claim in Texas.

Step 1: Make Sure Everyone Is Safe

Before anything else, make sure your family is out of danger. If there's a fire, gas leak, or structural damage, evacuate and call 911. Your safety comes first — documentation can wait.

Step 2: Prevent Further Damage

Your policy requires you to take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage after a covered loss. This is called your "duty to mitigate."

If a storm blew off part of your roof, cover it with a tarp. If a pipe burst, shut off the water. If a window is broken, board it up.

Keep receipts for any emergency repairs you make — your insurer should reimburse reasonable mitigation costs as part of your claim.

Step 3: Document Everything Before Cleanup

Before you start cleaning up or making repairs, document the damage thoroughly.

• Take photos and video of every affected area
• Photograph damaged items individually
• Note the date and time of the loss
• If it was a weather event, save any news reports or weather service records confirming the storm

Don't throw anything away yet. Adjusters often want to inspect damaged items before they're disposed of.

Step 4: File a Police Report If Needed

For theft, vandalism, or any criminal act, file a police report immediately. Your insurer will likely require it as part of the claims process.

Step 5: Contact Your Insurance Agent

Call your agent — not just the carrier's 800 number — as soon as possible. Your agent can help you understand what's covered, walk you through the process, and advocate for you if issues arise.

At McKnight Insurance Services, we stay involved in our clients' claims. We're not just here to sell you a policy — we're here when you need to use it.

Step 6: File the Claim

You can file a claim directly with your carrier by phone, online, or through their app. Have the following ready:

• Your policy number
• Date and description of the loss
• Photos and documentation you've gathered
• A list of damaged or stolen items
• Any police report number (if applicable)

Your insurer is required by Texas law to acknowledge your claim within 15 days and accept or deny it within 15 business days after receiving all requested information.

Step 7: Meet With the Adjuster

Your insurer will assign an adjuster to inspect the damage. The adjuster works for the insurance company — their job is to assess the loss and determine what the policy covers.

You have the right to be present during the inspection. Walk through the damage with the adjuster and point out everything. Don't assume they'll find it all on their own.

If you disagree with the adjuster's assessment, you have options:

• Request a re-inspection
• Hire a public adjuster (they work for you, not the insurer)
• Invoke the appraisal process outlined in your policy

Step 8: Review the Settlement Offer

Once the adjuster completes their assessment, your insurer will send a settlement offer. Review it carefully.

Check whether the offer accounts for:

• All damaged areas and items
• Replacement cost vs. actual cash value (if your policy covers replacement cost)
• Your deductible
• Code upgrade costs if repairs require bringing the home up to current building codes

If something seems off, ask questions. You don't have to accept the first offer.

Step 9: Understand Your Deductible

Your deductible is the amount you pay before insurance kicks in. In Texas, many homeowners policies have a separate, higher deductible for wind and hail damage — often expressed as a percentage of your home's insured value rather than a flat dollar amount.

A 2% wind/hail deductible on a $400,000 home means you pay the first $8,000 out of pocket. Make sure you understand your deductible before you file.

Step 10: Keep Records of Everything

Throughout the claims process, keep a file with:

• All correspondence with your insurer
• Adjuster reports and estimates
• Contractor bids and invoices
• Receipts for temporary repairs and additional living expenses
• Notes from every phone call (date, time, name of representative, what was discussed)

Good documentation protects you if there's a dispute.

Working With Your Agent

An independent agent like McKnight Insurance Services can be a valuable ally during a claim. We know the carriers we work with, we know the process, and we're on your side.

If you have questions about a current claim or want to review your coverage before you need it, call or text us at 817.277.6166.

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McKnight Insurance Services is an independent insurance agency serving the Dallas-Fort Worth area and beyond. We represent multiple carriers and work for you — not the insurance company.