Insurance Claims in Texas
Filing deadlines, Department of Insurance contacts, and state-specific requirements for policyholders in Texas.
Texas Department of Insurance
The Texas Department of Insurance regulates insurance companies in Texas and handles consumer complaints. Contact them if your insurer is not responding properly to your claim.
Claim Filing Deadlines
These are the statute of limitations — the legal deadlines by which you must file a lawsuit if your claim is denied. Your insurer's policy may require you to report the claim much sooner. Always check your policy's notification requirements.
What Your Insurer Must Do
Texas law requires insurance companies to follow these timelines when handling your claim.
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Insurers must acknowledge receipt of a claim within 15 calendar days (Tex. Ins. Code § 542.055)
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Insurers must accept or reject a claim within 15 business days after receiving all items required to evaluate the claim (Tex. Ins. Code § 542.056)
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Insurers must pay accepted claims within 5 business days of acceptance (Tex. Ins. Code § 542.057)
Consumer Protections
Key laws and regulations that protect Texas policyholders during the claims process.
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Texas Prompt Payment of Claims Act (Tex. Ins. Code Ch. 542) entitles policyholders to 18% annual interest plus attorney's fees if an insurer misses payment deadlines
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Hailstorm and windstorm claim appraisal rights are available under most Texas property insurance policies for disputes over amount of loss — check your policy's appraisal clause
Texas law provides a private right of action for prompt payment violations, making it one of the stronger states for policyholder rights. The Texas Department of Insurance publishes insurer complaint ratios at tdi.texas.gov.
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DOI contact information and statute references are sourced from official state government websites. Information may change — verify with your state's department of insurance. Statute of limitations periods reflect current law as of early 2026 — laws can change; verify against current state statutes for your specific situation.
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Filing deadlines and procedural requirements can change. Consult a licensed insurance professional or attorney in Texas for advice specific to your situation and policy.