Water Damage Insurance Claim Checklist for Texas Homeowners
Right away
Stop the water at the source or the main valve.
Remove standing water and start drying fast.
Move wet items to a dry, ventilated place.
Photograph or video every wet area before you move things.
Within the first day
Call your insurer and ask for a claim number.
Call a restoration company. Texas guidance says to hire a water damage cleanup service if you cannot dry the area yourself.
Write down names, dates, and phone numbers.
Keep and record
Keep damaged items until the adjuster sees them. Keep receipts for hotel stays, temporary repairs, and equipment.
Ask your restoration company for moisture readings, photos, and an equipment log.
Temporary vs. permanent repairs
TDI says to make only temporary repairs, like a roof tarp. Wait on permanent repairs until the insurer sees the damage.
Mold in your claim
If mold grows on a covered item, the policy usually covers it. Most policies do not include mold cleanup and testing unless you add that coverage. A licensed mold professional must confirm the mold is gone and you fixed the cause.
If your insurer denies your claim
Ask for the reason in writing. Compare it with your policy. The Texas Department of Insurance helps consumers with questions and complaints.
What to photograph
Take wide shots and close-ups. Include these.
- The source of the leak
- Every wet wall, ceiling, and floor
- Damaged furniture and belongings
- Model and serial numbers of damaged appliances
- Standing water, with a tape measure for depth
- Moisture meter readings, if you have a meter
A simple claim log
Write each call in a notebook. Record the date, the person, and what they said. Keep copies of emails. Keep your claim number on the first page.
When to speak up
If the adjuster misses a wet area, tell them and show your photos. If your restoration readings show water in a room the adjuster did not list, share the readings. Be polite and clear.
What should I say when I call my insurer?
Stick to facts. Say what happened, where, and when you first saw it. Say what you did to stop the water.
Then ask these questions.
- What is my claim number?
- Who is my adjuster, and how do I reach them?
- What will happen next, and when?
- What records do you want from me?
- Do I need your approval before I start any work?
What if I rent?
Tell your landlord at once. The landlord's policy usually covers the building. Your renter policy may cover your belongings and extra living costs.
Ask both parties what they need from you. Keep your own photos and receipts.
How do I list damaged belongings?
Walk room by room and list the water damage. Write each item, its age, and what you paid, if you remember. Add the brand and model when you can. Photograph each item.
Find receipts, bank records, or old photos that show the item. Keep the list in your claim folder. Add to it as you remember more.
How do I keep my papers in order?
Use one folder, paper or digital. Put the policy, the claim number, and your claim log at the front. Add photos, receipts, plumber reports, and drying records behind them.
Back up the folder on your phone or in the cloud. A good file saves time when the adjuster asks a question.
What if I cannot reach my insurer?
Keep trying and write down each attempt. Note the date, time, and number you called. Email if you can. Send photos with your message.
Meanwhile, protect the home. Stop the water and start drying. Records of your effort show good faith.
Should I keep talking to the adjuster by phone or email?
Use both, but follow up calls with a short email. Write what you heard and ask them to correct it. This builds a paper trail.
Keep every message in your claim folder. Clear records protect you if details change.
What should I do with damaged items I must throw out?
If an item is unsafe, photograph it first. Note what it was and what you paid. Tell the adjuster before you toss it.
Ask your insurer if it wants a sample or a photo. Keep a list of what you discarded.
Is it okay to hire a contractor before the adjuster comes?
You can start drying right away. Drying protects the home and your claim. Keep receipts and records.
Wait on permanent repairs until your insurer sees the damage. Ask your insurer what it needs before you start rebuild work.
Common questions
How soon should I report a claim?
As soon as you can. You usually must report hidden water damage within days after you see it.
Can I start drying before the adjuster comes?
Yes. Document first, then dry. Your policy expects you to protect the home.
Should I throw away wet items?
Keep them until the adjuster sees them, unless they are unsafe.
Sources
- Texas Department of Insurance: water damage and mold coverage
- Texas Department of Insurance: does insurance cover burst pipe damage
Related help in Keller
Keep reading
Next, read Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Water Damage in Texas?. You may also like How Do You Choose a Water Damage Restoration Company in Keller? and What Should You Do When a Pipe Bursts in Your Keller Home?.
We help homeowners in Southlake and Bear Creek area, Keller. Questions? Contact SureDry or read about our approach.
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