Dealing with fire, smoke, water or mold damage in Texas? Make sure everyone is safe, call your insurer, then complete the short form. We’ll connect you with an independent restoration company that serves your area.
Where do you connect property owners in Texas?
We currently cover the Brazos Valley and are adding more Texas areas.
Houston area
- Houston and Harris County
- Sugar Land, Pearland, League City and Katy
Dallas–Fort Worth area
- Frisco, McKinney, Flower Mound and Southlake
Austin area
Brazos Valley
Rebuilding? Compare repair permit rules and fire report steps across these cities.
How do homeowners insurance claims work in Texas?
The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) sets deadlines insurers must meet once you file a claim.
| Step | Deadline in Texas |
|---|---|
| Insurer acknowledges your claim | Within 15 business days |
| Insurer accepts or denies, once it has what it needs | Within 15 business days, or 45 more days if it explains why |
| Insurer pays an approved claim | TDI lists a five business day payment deadline |
| Mortgage company releases repair funds | Must contact you within 10 days |
Deadlines for you to report damage depend on your policy. Some water damage claims require notice much sooner than others, so report quickly.
What Texas law says about contractors and your deductible
- Your deductible is yours to pay. Contractors can’t offer to waive, rebate or absorb it. Contracts of $1,000 or more that involve an insurance settlement must include a notice that you must pay the deductible (TDI: know the law).
- A contractor can’t be your public adjuster. A company that does the repair work can’t negotiate your claim or advertise that it will. TDI says websites count as advertising.
- Report problems. TDI lists the Texas Attorney General’s line, 800-621-0508, for deductible violations.
When does Texas require a licensed mold professional?
Unlicensed people may only handle visible mold covering less than 25 contiguous square feet. Larger jobs generally need a licensed mold assessor and a separate licensed mold remediator, licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).
TDLR licenses electricians and mold professionals. Its program list doesn’t include a fire or water restoration license, so ask restoration companies about IICRC certifications and insurance instead (TDLR).
What if I can’t stay at home?
Most homeowners, renters and condo policies pay some additional living expenses when covered damage makes a home unlivable. TDI says these limits are usually 10% to 20% of the home’s insured amount (TDI). The American Red Cross helps after home fires at 1-800-733-2767.
What kind of help do you need?
Frequently asked questions
It has 15 business days to acknowledge the claim. Once it has the information it needs, it has 15 business days to accept or deny, with a possible 45-day extension.
No. Texas law bars contractors from offering to waive, rebate or absorb a policyholder’s deductible.
The Texas Department of Insurance consumer help line at 800-252-3439.
TDLR’s license list doesn’t include fire or water restoration. Mold assessment and remediation are licensed, and electrical work needs a licensed electrician.
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