How to file a water damage insurance claim in Dallas

The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) explains coverage in plain terms in its guide When are water damage and mold covered by insurance?

Read your own policy for the details. Coverage language differs between companies and policy forms, and your agent can tell you whether you bought optional mold coverage.

1. Stop the water. TDI says to know how to turn off the main valve and the valves under sinks and near appliances. Our emergency page covers this.
2. Take photos and video of all damage before any repairs. Get wide shots and close-ups.
3. Start drying. TDI notes mold can start growing within a day after a leak. Remove standing water and pull up wet carpets and rugs.
4. Make temporary repairs only, such as tarping a roof or covering a broken window, and keep every receipt. TDI says not to make permanent repairs until your insurance company sees the damage.
5. Do not throw away damaged items until the adjuster has seen them. Make a list of damaged property.

Our first steps guide puts these in order for the first day.

TDI's Steps to getting your insurance claim paid and its claim deadlines article list the timeline:

The clock on the decision starts when the insurer has what it asked for, so answer requests quickly and keep a written list of what you sent and when.

TDI recommends getting the adjuster's name, phone number and email, being available to point out the damage, and keeping notes of every call. Get estimates from more than one contractor. Show your contractor the insurer's estimate and raise any differences with the insurer. If the water came from a hidden leak, expect questions about how long it had been going, because gradual damage is usually excluded. If mold is involved, TDI says the mold professional must hold a state license and must give you a certificate that the mold was removed; our mold guide explains that certificate.

Flood is a separate policy. TDI's claim tips for Texas flood victims says most home and renters policies do not cover flood damage, and that National Flood Insurance Program policies require you to file a claim within 60 days. Even without flood coverage, you may need a denial from your insurer to apply for federal disaster assistance. Take photos or video as soon as it is safe, and do not throw out damaged items until you have talked to your adjuster.

TDI's guide to avoiding contracting scams warns that out-of-town scam artists may be first at the door after a disaster. Its main points:

• Get at least three bids, on company letterhead with a phone number and address. Your adjuster can give you an idea of what the repair should cost.
• Do not sign a contract with blank spaces, or one that calls itself an estimate or a release.
• Do not sign a contract saying you agree to the repairs "for the value of insurance proceeds."
• It is against the law for a contractor to offer to waive your deductible or work it into a bid.
• Be wary of large or full down payments. TDI says that after a disaster, out-of-town contractors may not legally ask for a down payment before they start.

TDI runs a Help Line for insurance questions and complaints, open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central time, and lets you file a complaint against an insurance company, agent or adjuster online. Typical restoration prices are in our cost guide.

This site is an independent homeowner guide. We are not a contractor, we do not perform restoration work, and we do not answer phones. To reach a restoration company, call one of the companies listed on this page or see all listed companies. Questions about this guide: email us. We do not take service requests. Please still run the license and permit checks on this page yourself.