Client Alert: New Insurance Law Changes Claim Filing Deadlines

Texas lawmakers have recently introduced changes that may significantly impact how insurance companies process property damage claims and how policyholders pursue compensation after storms, hurricanes, hail events, water damage, and other covered losses.

These updates are expected to influence:

• Claim filing deadlines
• Documentation requirements
• Communication procedures with insurers
• Supplemental claim submissions
• Dispute resolution timelines
• Bad faith insurance litigation procedures

Property owners, business operators, and homeowners should carefully review these developments to ensure they remain compliant with updated legal requirements and preserve their right to recover under their insurance policies.

Why These Changes Matter for Property Owners

Insurance claims are often time-sensitive. Even minor mistakes during the filing process can create delays, reduce settlement amounts, or result in denied coverage.

Under the updated regulations, insurance carriers may now enforce stricter procedural requirements when evaluating claims. In many cases, policyholders must respond to insurer requests more quickly and provide additional supporting documentation earlier in the process.

These changes could affect:

• Homeowners filing storm damage claims
• Commercial property owners
• Apartment complex owners
• Business interruption claims
• Roof damage claims
• Water intrusion and mold claims
• Wind and hail damage disputes

Failing to comply with revised procedures could negatively impact the outcome of a claim.

Key Legal Updates Policyholders Should Know

1. Revised Claim Filing Deadlines

Some insurance claims may now require faster reporting following a loss event. Delays in notifying the insurance company could give insurers additional grounds to dispute or investigate claims more aggressively.

Policyholders should report property damage as soon as possible after discovering:

• Roof damage
• Structural issues
• Interior water intrusion
• Wind damage
• Flood-related losses
• Broken windows or exterior damage

Prompt reporting can help preserve critical evidence and strengthen the claim process.

2. Increased Documentation Requirements

Insurance companies may request more detailed documentation before approving or paying claims.

Examples of helpful documentation include:

• Photographs and videos of damage
• Repair estimates
• Engineering reports
• Contractor evaluations
• Receipts and invoices
• Maintenance records
• Weather event documentation
• Communication records with the insurer

Proper documentation can reduce disputes regarding the cause, scope, and value of property damage.

Common Issues We Continue to See in Property Damage Claims

Despite regulatory updates, many policyholders still encounter:

• Claim delays
• Underpayment of repairs
• Low settlement offers
• Denied roof damage claims
• Engineering disputes
• Coverage interpretation issues
• Improper depreciation calculations
• Delayed communication from insurers

Insurance companies often prioritize minimizing payouts, particularly after widespread storm events that generate thousands of claims simultaneously.