Months after Hurricane Beryl, many people are still dealing with insurance claims. Despite repairs being completed, insurance companies have yet to decide on payouts.
SEE ALSO: Homeowner battles insurance company for months over roof damage from Hurricane Beryl
Investigator Amy Davis shares her personal experience, having filed a claim in September with no resolution after five inspector visits. This is also something a lot of you are asking about.
How long do insurance companies have to approve or deny claims?
Leash Yu from Higginbotham Insurance explains it’s not a clear-cut answer about deadline for insurance companies to approve or deny claims.
Here’s what Texas code says about insurance deadlines.
- Sec. 542.056: An insurer must notify a claimant in writing of the acceptance or rejection of a claim not later than the 15th business day after receiving all necessary items, statements, and forms required to secure final proof of loss.
- If the insurer suspects arson, they have up to 30 days to notify the claimant of the decision.
- If the insurer cannot make a decision within these timeframes, they must notify the claimant of the need for additional time and provide reasons. In such cases, the insurer must make a decision not later than the 45th day after notifying the claimant of the delay.
The decision-making process can be prolonged by the need for additional information and research.
The complexity of determining coverage can extend the timeline, especially if new information is provided.
What to do if you don’t like your insurance offer
Once you receive an offer, there are steps you can take if you’re unsatisfied. Here’s what Yu suggests:
- Work directly with the insurance adjuster.
- Escalate the issue to management if needed.
- If this doesn’t resolve the issue, arbitration is the next step, where a third party hears both sides. Usually, this decision is final.
- If this isn’t an option, hiring an attorney to sue the carrier is a possibility.
- Lean on your insurance broker for assistance throughout the process.
Also, be aware that an open claim when your policy expires may complicate finding a new carrier or getting renewed.
WATCH: Full Ask Amy episode all about auto and homeowner’s insurance in 2025.
