Resources & Guides

When you file an insurance claim, your insurer assigns a "staff adjuster" or "independent adjuster" to evaluate your loss. Despite the similar name, these are not the same as a public adjuster working for you. The insurer's adjuster — regardless of what they're called — works for the insurance company. Their job is to settle your claim as efficiently as possible, which often means as cheaply as possible.

A public adjuster works exclusively for the policyholder. We review your policy, inspect and document your damage, prepare a detailed estimate, and negotiate with your insurer on your behalf. Our goal is to maximize your settlement — not minimize it.

You should consider hiring a public adjuster if your claim is large or complex, if your insurer's settlement offer seems low, if your claim was denied, or if you simply want professional representation throughout the process. In Texas, public adjusters must be licensed by the Texas Department of Insurance.

Under Texas law, your insurance company must acknowledge your claim within 15 days of receiving it, accept or deny your claim within 15 business days of receiving all required items, and pay your claim within 5 business days of acceptance. Violations can result in penalties and interest.

Most Texas property insurance policies include an appraisal clause. If you disagree with your insurer's damage valuation, you can invoke this clause to have an independent appraiser — like Texas Claims Adjusters — evaluate your loss. Both sides select an appraiser, and if they disagree, an umpire decides.

Texas has a two-year statute of limitations on most property insurance claims. However, don't wait — the sooner you document your damage and file your claim, the stronger your position. Evidence degrades and memories fade.

Before accepting any settlement, get an independent estimate of your damages. A licensed public adjuster can review your insurer's scope of loss and identify items that were missed, underpriced, or improperly depreciated.

If you and your insurer can't agree on the value of your loss, most Texas policies allow you to invoke the appraisal clause. You hire an appraiser, they hire an appraiser, and if needed, an umpire makes the final call. This process often results in significantly higher settlements.

If you believe your insurer is acting in bad faith — unreasonably delaying, denying, or underpaying your claim — you can file a complaint with the Texas Department of Insurance. TDI investigates complaints and can take action against insurers who violate Texas law.

In cases of bad faith or significant underpayment, a Texas insurance attorney may be able to help you recover additional damages beyond your policy limits, including attorney's fees and penalties under the Texas Insurance Code.