Texas Insurance Claim Deadline Calculator

The Texas Prompt Payment of Claims Act

Texas Insurance Code Chapter 542, Subchapter B, puts first-party property insurers on a clock:

• 15 days after notice of the claim to acknowledge it, begin the investigation and request what it needs from you (§542.055)
• 15 business days after receiving everything it requested to accept or reject the claim in writing, with up to 45 more days if it explains why it needs them (§542.056)
• 5 business days after accepting the claim to pay it (§542.057)
• An extra 15 days on these deadlines after a weather catastrophe or major natural disaster (§542.059)

An insurer that violates these deadlines can owe statutory interest on the amount of the claim plus reasonable attorney’s fees (§542.060). These are general rules; surplus lines carriers, TWIA and some policy types follow different timelines.

Deadlines that belong to you

Policies require prompt notice, and many Texas homeowners policies require wind and hail damage to be reported within one year of the storm. TWIA policies require it by statute. Most policies also limit how long you have to sue, often two years. And before suing over a weather-related claim, Texas generally requires 61 days’ written pre-suit notice (Chapter 542A). Don’t let a deadline make the decision for you — see when waiting can cost you.

Frequently asked questions