Recovery tips
We’re here to help. We can provide contact information for your insurance company or help with questions about how to file a claim. Call our Help Line Monday to Friday: 800-252-3439.
Are you with a city or county government? View our toolkit to prevent fraud after a storm
Claim tips
- Steps to getting your home or car insurance claim paid. The process, deadlines, and your options if you disagree with your insurance company
- FAQ: Homeowners insurance and disaster claims
- Water and mold: What you need to know about insurance coverage.
- What if my insurance isn't paying enough? If you believe your insurance company didn’t pay enough to cover your damages or unfairly denied your claim, you have options.
Protect yourself from scams
- How to avoid contracting scams
- Know the signs of a contracting scam and how to avoid them
- Is it OK for a contractor to waive my deductible?
- Beware of scams after a storm (video)
- After a storm: Dealing with insurance claims and avoiding repair scams (podcast)
Protecting your property
- Call your insurance company to report damage.
- Take pictures and video of the damage. Don’t throw anything away until your insurance adjuster tells you.
- Make temporary repairs to prevent more damage. Remove standing water. Cover broken windows and holes to keep rain out.
- Keep a list of the repairs and save receipts. Don’t make permanent repairs before the insurance adjuster sees the damage.
Filing a claim
Call your insurance agent or company as soon as possible to report property damage.
For company phone numbers, use our Company Lookup or call us at 800-252-3439.
- Keep a record of everyone you talked to with your company.
- Be ready to answer questions about the damage.
- Ask about an advance payment if you need help quickly.
- Ask about living expenses. Most policies will cover some of the costs you have if you are unable to live in your home because of damage that is covered by your insurance. Keep your receipts for these costs.
- If you need shelter or emergency food or water, contact the Red Cross at 800-733-2767.
Repairing your home
- Make sure your adjuster and company have your current phone number.
- Make sure your address is visible from the street. You may need to post a sign with your address in the yard.
- Try to be there when the adjuster visits and point out all damage.
- Get multiple bids from contractors and compare them with the adjuster’s report before settling the claim.
- Save proof that you paid the deductible on the claim. A state law makes it illegal for contractors or roofers to offer to waive a deductible or to promise a rebate for your deductible. It also allows insurance companies to request proof, such a receipt or canceled check, that you paid the deductible.
More
- Types of home policies (video, chart)
- How to file a claim (video)
- How to find a good contractor after a storm (video)
- How to avoid contractor scams after a disaster (video)
- Roof claims: What you need to know when filing a claim or replacing your roof.
- Auto claims: What to know if your car was totaled.
- Flooded cars: What to know about insurance claims and repairs
- Do your repairs need a windstorm inspection? We list some things to keep in mind as you repair and rebuild
- How to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning at home
- When do policies pay for additional living expenses?
Resources and key contacts
- 2-1-1 Texas: Call 2-1-1 for help with food, housing, health care, and more.
- Helping storm victims: A toolkit for community groups
- Preventing fraud after a storm: a toolkit for city and county officials
- Office of Public Insurance Counsel: Check website for tips, call 1-877-611-6742, or email help@opic.texas.gov.
- National Flood Insurance Program: How to file a claim
- Texas FAIR Plan Association: 800-979-6440, Option 1.
- DisasterAssistance.gov: Apply for FEMA help, check the status of your application, or find a hotel that accepts FEMA's Transitional Sheltering Assistance.
- Texas Department of Motor Vehicles: Water-damaged vehicles title check
- Texas Windstorm Insurance Association: 800-788-8247, Option 1.
- Windstorm Inspection Program
- Search for licensed fire sprinkler repair contractors: Use the State Fire Marshal’s Office Company / Licensee Search to find contractors licensed and authorized to repair fire sprinklers in Texas. Use the Company Search tab and enter SCR-G in the “License Type / Number” box.
Guidance to industry
- Bulletins: Guidance to insurance carriers after a catastrophe.
- Emergency adjusters: Information on the emergency adjuster application process. Fingerprints aren’t required.
- Roofing and insurance: Know the law