With every claim they review, insurance companies have various legal, financial, and logistical hoops to jump through. So, as a homeowner, how long can you expect a property insurance claim to stay open? We have answers.
How Long Can a Home Insurance Claim Stay Open?
There is no federally mandated time frame for insurers to settle a claim. Some states have limits on how long insurers can take, but there’s even some flexibility in that. The main takeaway is that timelines varies on a case-to-case basis.
Texas Home Insurance Claim Process
In Texas, the State offers some guidelines for the home insurance claim process and timeline. While these can still vary, here’s what you can expect:
- Your insurance company must notify you that they received your claim within 15 business days of you filing it. They must also request any additional information they need related to your claim.
- Your insurance company must accept or deny your claim within 15 business days of getting all the information they need from you. This is where there is a little leeway in the timeline — as they’re known to take their time collecting “all” the information they need.
*It’s important that you hire a public adjuster or construction specialist to inspect the damage, rather than just the adjuster from the insurance company. - If your insurance claim is accepted, your insurance company must send you a check within 5 business days.
In an ideal world, a Texas home insurance claim would stay open for about 35 days max. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always go that smoothly — especially if your claim is denied or underpaid.
If your claim is denied or underpaid, you should take action to refute it. More on that process below.
How Long Does a Home Insurance Claim Stay on Your Record?
The exact timeframe depends on your insurance company, but it usually falls between 5–7 years. During this time, your premium rates may increase.
What to Do If Your Home Insurance Claim Is Delayed, Denied, or Underpaid?
If your insurance claim was delayed, denied, or underpaid, you should take action immediately. Far too often, insurance companies do everything they can to avoid making payouts on time and in full.
If your insurer has failed to meet the deadlines listed above, they have violated Texas’s Insurance Code. You may be entitled to collect 18% annual interest and attorney’s fees in addition to your claim amount. If you’re confident that you’ve been underpaid or wrongly denied, there are steps you can take.
Navigating a delayed, underpaid, or denied home insurance claim can be a convoluted process. It’s best to talk with an experienced insurance dispute attorney, as they can help guide you through, defend your rights, and get you paid.
Talk With an Insurance Dispute Attorney at The Lane Law Firm
If your insurance company drags out your claim, underpays you, or flat-out denies you, contact The Lane Law Firm. Our experienced insurance attorneys can help you file a formal appeal for your claim and hold your insurer responsible for your payout.
