Owning a home in Texas is a big investment—but it’s also a big responsibility. Between hurricanes, hail, wildfires, and flooding, Texans face a wide variety of natural disasters. Most homeowners think their insurance will cover damages when disaster happens. However, the truth is more complicated. Insurance companies are for-profit businesses, and many of them prioritize their bottom line over your peace of mind.
At The Miller Law Firm, known as the Texas Bulldog, we have helped many homeowners. We assist them with denied, delayed, or underpaid insurance claims. If you’re a Texas homeowner, understanding the fine print of your policy and how to protect yourself is crucial. These 10 important insurance tips will help you stay ahead of insurance companies. You will also know when to bring in a bulldog to fight back.
1. Know What Natural Disasters Are Actually Covered
Texas is home to everything from hurricanes on the Gulf Coast to tornadoes in the Panhandle. Many insurance companies don’t tell you this. Standard homeowners insurance does not cover all natural disasters.
Typically, you’ll need separate policies or add-ons for:
- Flooding (FEMA flood insurance)
- Earthquakes
- Hurricanes and Windstorms (especially near the coast)
- Sinkholes
If you live in a high-risk area, it’s important to ask your insurance agent for details. Make sure to get everything in writing.
Want more info on what natural disasters aren’t covered? Check out our blog: What Natural Disasters Are Not Covered by Home Insurance in Texas?
2. Don’t Rely on Verbal Promises From Your Insurance Agent
A friendly agent might assure you that you’re “fully covered,” but if it’s not in the written policy, it doesn’t count. Insurance companies will not honor anything that isn’t spelled out in the policy declaration and endorsement documents.
Always request:
- A copy of your full policy (including endorsements)
- A written explanation of coverage changes
- Updated documents when your coverage changes
Insurance companies often exploit vague language to deny valid claims. When disaster strikes, vague promises won’t help you recover.
3. Photograph Everything—Before You Need to File a Claim
A strong home insurance claim starts with solid documentation. Before damage ever happens, take detailed photos or videos of:
- Every room in your home
- Major appliances and upgrades
- The exterior of your property
- Your roof, fencing, and garage
Keep backup copies in cloud storage and update them every year or after big purchases.
This kind of documentation can mean the difference between a full payout and a denial.
4. Understand What “Actual Cash Value” vs. “Replacement Cost” Means
Insurance companies often use confusing terms to reduce your payout. Two of the most common are:
- Actual Cash Value (ACV): Pays you for the depreciated value of your items.
- Replacement Cost: Covers the full cost of replacing damaged property at today’s prices.
If your policy uses ACV, you could end up getting pennies on the dollar for your home’s contents or roof. Always request a policy that includes replacement cost coverage.
If your home has been damaged, this guide can help you understand the claims process. It covers home fire claims, what to expect, and how to protect yourself.
5. Don’t Let Insurance Adjusters Intimidate You
Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company, not you. They may seem helpful, but their job is to minimize the amount the company pays out. Common tactics include:
- Misclassifying damage as “wear and tear”
- Downplaying the extent of damage
- Offering lowball settlements
Don’t accept the first offer. Get independent estimates, review your policy, and consider contacting a property damage attorney if the insurer is not negotiating in good faith.
We handle disputes like this all the time. Read more about how we deal with bad faith insurers on our property damage claims page.
6. Filing a Claim Could Affect Future Premiums
Insurance companies track your claim history through a system called CLUE (Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange). Filing a claim—especially if it’s denied—can raise your premiums or even get your policy canceled.
Before filing, consider:
- The size of your deductible
- Whether the damage exceeds your deductible by a significant amount
- If the repair is manageable without insurance
But if you’ve been wronged by your insurer, don’t let fear of future premiums stop you from standing up for yourself. You may have legal options, especially if your claim is denied without a valid reason.
7. You Have the Right to Dispute Denied or Underpaid Claims
Too many Texans accept a denial or low offer without knowing they can fight back. You have the legal right to:
- Request a full explanation for the denial
- Provide additional evidence or expert opinions
- Appeal the decision
- Hire an attorney to challenge unfair claims
Texas law offers strong protections for policyholders. If your insurance company isn’t treating you fairly, contact us to discuss your options. We specialize in denied insurance claims and know how to handle companies that act in bad faith.
Learn more about denied or delayed claims here: Texas Hail Damage Homeowners Insurance Denied Claim
8. Read the Fine Print on Exclusions and Endorsements
Your policy likely includes pages of exclusions and endorsements—many of which limit your coverage in specific situations. For example:
- Mold damage might be capped at $5,000
- Water backup from sewers may not be covered at all
- Roof damage may have special depreciation rules
These exclusions are often buried deep in the policy and written in legal jargon. Reviewing them with an attorney or trusted insurance professional can help ensure you’re not left exposed.
If you’re unsure how to interpret your policy, we can help you understand it. The Texas Bulldog team is trained to decode policy language and protect your rights.
9. Keep a Claim Diary
Document everything during your claim process, including:
- The date/time of every communication
- Who you spoke with and what they said
- Any promises made
- Photos and receipts of temporary repairs
This “claim diary” can be critical if your case goes to arbitration or court. It establishes a timeline that can support your side of the story.
When insurance companies delay or deny your claim, good evidence can help your attorney win your case.
10. Don’t Wait to Get Help—Legal Deadlines Matter
Texas law imposes deadlines on how long you have to file a lawsuit over a denied insurance claim. These deadlines, known as statutes of limitations, can be as short as two years.
Also, insurance policies often contain their own contractual deadlines for:
- Reporting the claim
- Providing documentation
- Filing suit after denial
If you miss these deadlines, your rights could be permanently lost—even if your claim is legitimate.
Act quickly. If you think your insurance company is stalling, reach out to a Texas insurance lawyer immediately.
We handle home insurance claims statewide and offer free consultations. Learn more about your rights by visiting our property damage practice area.
Bonus Tip: Know When to Call in the Texas Bulldog
When your home is damaged, you’re stressed enough without having to battle your insurance company. If your claim is:
- Denied
- Delayed
- Underpaid
- Handled unfairly
It’s time to call in the Texas Bulldog. At The Miller Law Firm, we fight for homeowners across Texas to get the compensation they’re rightfully owed. We don’t let insurance companies take advantage of good people. We bite back—hard.
Whether your home has been damaged by fire, hail, wind, or flood, we’re here to help. Contact us today for a free case evaluation. We don’t get paid unless you do. ✅ Check out our ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Star Reviews on Google!
Download our Free Property Damage eBook. It has step-by-step instructions on how to file a claim with your homeowner’s insurance!
