Initial Response Phase: 24 to 48 Hours

The first 48 hours are mostly logistics: your claim number, your adjuster, and the acknowledgment that the clock is running. Texas law gives insurers up to 15 days to acknowledge a claim, but most respond much faster, so whatever the pace, your job in this phase stays the same, start temporary repairs, keep every receipt, and do not wait for permission to protect the house.

After you file your claim, most insurance companies will acknowledge receipt within 24 to 48 hours. You will receive a claim number and be assigned an adjuster. During this phase:

• The insurance company acknowledges your claim in writing or by phone
• You receive your claim number and adjuster contact information
• Texas law gives insurers up to 15 days to acknowledge a claim, but most respond much faster after major storms
• You can begin temporary repairs immediately to prevent further damage
• Keep all invoices and receipts for any temporary work you do

Inspection Phase: 1 to 2 Weeks

The inspection is where the claim actually gets its value, because the adjuster's scope of loss becomes the basis of the estimate. Be present, point out every damaged item, and hand over your own contractor estimate for comparison; for minor claims a desktop adjuster may not even visit, so your documentation does the talking. In normal conditions the visit lands within 1 to 2 weeks, longer after a widespread storm.

The adjuster will contact you to schedule a property inspection. In normal conditions, the adjuster visits within 1 to 2 weeks of your claim being filed. After a widespread disaster, this can stretch to 3 or 4 weeks.

• The adjuster inspects the damage and documents the scope of loss
• You should be present during the inspection to point out all damage
• The adjuster may take photos, measurements, and use estimating software
• Some insurers use desktop adjusters for minor claims and may not visit in person
• Provide your own contractor estimate if you have one for comparison

Settlement Phase: 2 to 4 Weeks

Settlement is where the money lands, and it is worth knowing the two numbers that matter: the insurer pays actual cash value first with your deductible removed, and replacement cost value follows once repairs are done. Texas law gives insurers up to 15 business days after the investigation to accept or reject, and you can negotiate a low offer, file supplements for newly found damage, or take the appraisal route if the gap will not close.

After the adjuster completes their inspection, they prepare a settlement estimate. Texas law gives insurers up to 15 business days to accept or reject your claim after completing the investigation. Most settlements arrive within 2 to 4 weeks.

• The insurer sends you a settlement offer or a denial letter
• If approved, you receive the actual cash value (ACV) payment minus your deductible
• You can negotiate if the offer does not cover your full loss
• Supplemental claims can be filed if additional damage is discovered during repairs
• Payment for replacement cost value (RCV) comes after repairs are completed