Spring and summer storms hit the Valley hard. When your roof is damaged, you expect your insurance company to pay. Too often, insurers delay, send a low estimate or deny the claim.

Texas Law Sets Deadlines for Insurers

Under the Texas Prompt Payment of Claims Act, an insurer generally must acknowledge your claim within 15 days, accept or reject it within 15 business days after it receives the information it needs, and pay within 5 business days after accepting. An insurer that misses these deadlines can owe interest and attorney's fees.

What to Do If Your Claim Is Denied or Underpaid

• Ask for the denial or estimate in writing.
• Get your own estimate from a licensed, local roofer or contractor.
• Keep photos, receipts and every letter and email from the insurer.
• Check your policy for a deadline to sue. Many policies shorten it to two years.
• Before you file suit, Texas law generally requires written notice to the insurer at least 61 days in advance. A lawyer can handle this for you.

Learn more on our storm damage lawyer page, or call 956-630-LAWS (5297) for a free review of your policy and claim.

This post is general information, not legal advice. Attorney responsible: Oscar Lee Longoria Jr., Law Office of Oscar Longoria, PLLC, Mission, Texas.