Key facts: Texas insurance claims
- TDI says most policies cover sudden and accidental water damage, such as a burst pipe, a toilet overflow or a broken washer hose [1].
- Most policies do not cover gradual leaks or seepage, including resulting mold, according to TDI [1].
- Home policies do not cover floods; a separate flood policy is needed [1].
- Companies must generally accept or deny a claim within 15 business days of receiving all the information needed [2].
Short answer
The sudden-versus-gradual line
Texas Department of Insurance guidance draws a broad distinction. Most homeowner and renter policies cover sudden and accidental water damage; a burst pipe, toilet overflow or broken washer hose are its examples. Most do not cover damage from gradual leaks or seepage, including any resulting mold. Floods are excluded from home policies and need a separate flood policy [1]. Everything else depends on the words of your own policy, so read it or ask your agent. No contractor, and no website, can promise you an outcome.
Typical treatment
How water sources tend to be treated
| Source | General tendency | What to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Burst pipe | Usually covered as sudden | Any heat or vacancy conditions in the policy? |
| Washer hose failure | Usually covered as sudden | Is the appliance itself covered? |
| Slow leak behind a wall | Usually excluded as gradual | What if it was hidden from view? |
| Water under slab | Depends on the facts | Does the policy address access to pipes? |
| Sewer backup | Often limited | Do I have a backup endorsement? |
| Rising water from outside | Excluded from home policy | Do I have a flood policy? |
| Mold | Limited | Is this a covered risk? Do I have a mold endorsement? |
From day one
A sensible order for handling the claim
- 1
Stop the source and protect the house
TDI encourages temporary repairs to protect your property, and you should keep the receipts [2].
- 2
Report promptly
Hidden water damage usually must be reported within days after you first see it [1].
- 3
Document before repairs
List damaged property and take photos or video before repairs [2].
- 4
Keep damaged items
Do not throw things out until the adjuster has seen them, except what is a genuine health hazard, which you should photograph and discuss with your insurer [2].
- 5
Hold off permanent repairs
TDI warns that an insurer may deny a claim if you make permanent repairs before it sees the damage [2].
- 6
Track everything
Write down names, dates and what was said, and save all estimates and reports.
Deadlines
Timelines you may see
TDI's storm-damage guidance says a company must accept or deny a claim within 15 business days of getting all the information it needs from you, and that a denial must be explained in writing [2]. Other deadlines depend on the policy and on the type of claim, so read your own paperwork. Flood policies have their own rules; ask your flood insurer or FEMA for what currently applies to you. We have seen differing deadline figures quoted for flood claims in older pages, which is a good reason to check rather than assume.
Mold
How mold fits in
TDI says that if mold develops on an item damaged by a covered event, the damage to that item can be covered, while mold removal itself is generally not covered except to repair damage from a covered risk, and that it can sometimes be added by endorsement [1]. For state-regulated mold work, TDI tells homeowners to confirm the mold professional has a state license and to expect an inspection and a certificate of removal [1]. Read the Texas mold rules guide for how the licensing side works.
Flood
Knowing whether your property is near a mapped flood area
FEMA's Flood Map Service Center lets you look up an address [3]. Prosper spans Collin and Denton counties [4], and creeks such as Doe Branch run through parts of the area. A mapped zone is not a prediction, and being outside it is not a promise. Ask your agent whether flood coverage makes sense for your property, because TDI is clear that a home policy will not respond to a flood [1].
Adjusters
Working with the adjuster
An insurer's adjuster represents the insurance company in assessing your loss. Be accurate, walk them through what you saw and give them copies, not your only originals. Share moisture logs and the plumber's written findings. Ask what is being paid for and what is not, and ask for explanations in writing. You can file a complaint or get help from the Texas Department of Insurance if you run into trouble, using its Help Line at 800-252-3439 [2].
Your file
What to keep in your claim folder
- Your policy and declarations page
- Dated photos and video from before cleanup
- Failed parts such as a split hose or pipe section
- Plumber's written findings about the cause
- Moisture logs and contractor reports
- Receipts for materials and for anything you discarded
- A room-by-room list of damaged belongings
- Notes of calls with dates and names
Contractors
What to watch for with contractors and claims
- Ask for scope in writing before work starts
- Be wary of anyone who promises the insurer will approve anything
- Read what you sign, particularly anything assigning claim rights
- Check licences that apply, such as plumbing or mold work
- Remember that you choose who works on your house
Newer homes
Builder warranties and insurance
If your home is recent, as many are in Prosper [4], a builder's warranty might also come into the picture for defects. Your insurer and the builder may each point at the other, so notify both when in doubt and keep records of each. The order of events may matter, and if there is any doubt about your rights, a Texas attorney can advise you. This guide does not give legal advice.
Questions
Texas water damage claim questions
Should I file a claim for a small leak?
It depends on the damage, your policy and how it might affect you in future. Your agent can explain how your policy treats the loss. Document everything either way, and act quickly so you preserve your options.
Can my claim be denied because the leak was slow?
It can. TDI says most home policies do not cover gradual leaks or seepage. If a leak was hidden, ask how your policy treats that, and report it soon after discovering it.
Do I have to use the insurer's contractor?
You generally choose who works on your home, although your policy and insurer may have programs or conditions you should understand. Ask the adjuster and read what you are given before signing.
What if I already threw out wet carpet?
Tell the adjuster, and share any photos you took and samples you kept. Health hazards can be a reason to remove things quickly, but TDI suggests holding on to items where possible until they have been seen.
Does home insurance cover flooding from a creek or storm?
Home policies do not cover floods according to TDI. You need a separate flood policy. Even so, you may need a denial letter from your insurer to apply for disaster assistance if it becomes available.
How do I get help with a claim dispute in Texas?
The Texas Department of Insurance takes complaints and runs a help line. Keep your paperwork organized. For legal questions about a dispute, speak with a Texas attorney.