Texas storms aren’t slowing down. From hurricanes to flash floods, homeowners and businesses are constantly at risk. While emergency kits and sandbags might protect your property, real protection comes from understanding your insurance policy and knowing what to do when your claim gets delayed or denied.
At Orange Law Firm, our Houston insurance lawyer team helps policyholders secure fair compensation and challenge unfair treatment from insurance companies. When the system fails you, we don’t.
Recent Storm and Flood Events in Texas
Texas has seen some of its worst natural events in recent years:
- Kerrville, Texas :July 7th, 2025 , Nearly 90 people have been confirmed dead in Central Texas in one of the deadliest U.S. floods in decades according to “The Newyork Times”
- Hurricane Harold (2024): Homes along the Gulf Coast faced major flooding and structural collapse.
- Hill County Tornado Outbreak (2025): Dozens of properties were destroyed, many claims labeled “acts of God” by insurers.
- Spring Floods 2025: Cities like Austin and Waco dealt with sewer backups and street-level floods.
Thousands of claims were filed, and thousands more were underpaid or denied. That’s where a storm and flood damage lawyer in Houston becomes essential.
What the Texas Department of Insurance Says About Your Rights
The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) has outlined strict laws to protect policyholders:
- Prompt Payment of Claims Act (PPCPA): Insurers must acknowledge your claim within 15 days and decide within 45 days.
- Timely Payment: After approval, payment must be issued within 5 business days.
- Investigation Standards: Your insurer must conduct an honest, fair, and complete evaluation.
- Right to File Complaints: TDI encourages policyholders to report delays or bad faith actions online at tdi.texas.gov.
Despite these laws, many insurers stall or underpay claims. With a trusted Houston insurance lawyer, you can apply pressure where it counts and ensure compliance with TDI standards.
Most Common Storm and Flood Damages in Texas
Storm-related property damage varies, but some issues are more frequent than others:
- Wind-driven roof damage
- Hail destruction of shingles and windows
- Floodwater destroying interiors and foundations
- Lightning-triggered fires
- Fallen trees damaging homes or vehicles
- Mold from untreated water exposure
Even with visible destruction, many insurers minimize the loss. A skilled storm claims lawyer can help prove the full extent of your damage using independent assessments.
What Does Your Insurance Policy Cover?
Covered Under Standard Homeowners Insurance:
- Wind and hail damage
- Fires from electrical storms
- Water damage from burst internal pipes
- Temporary housing expenses (loss-of-use)
Not Covered Unless You Add Separate Coverage:
- Flooding from rising water
- Drain or sewer backups
- Mold unless directly caused by a covered event
- Soil movement (mudslides or foundation shifts)
To compare policies and see gaps in your current coverage, the TDI recommends using www.opic.texas.gov. If you lack flood insurance in Texas, you’re not alone. Many policyholders wrongly assume they’re covered, only to learn otherwise after a major flood event.
How Insurance Companies Avoid Paying What You’re Owed
Policyholders often assume insurance companies will do the right thing. Unfortunately, many use tactics that skirt the law:
- Denying legitimate damage as “pre-existing”
- Delaying inspections for weeks
- Underpaying by using actual cash value instead of replacement cost
- Lowballing estimates with third-party adjusters
- Shifting blame onto property owners
These tactics violate your rights. Hiring a storm and flood damage lawyer in Houston can stop this behavior and hold insurers accountable.
Why You Need a Houston Insurance Lawyer
When you bring in Orange Law Firm, here’s what we do:
- Review and explain your insurance policy
- Document every form of damage using certified experts
- Negotiate with your insurer and demand proper valuation
- File legal complaints with TDI where needed
- Take your case to court if the insurer refuses to comply
With offices in both Houston and Hill County, our team knows the local courts, insurance adjusters and how to push back when your claim is being buried.
What to Do Right After Storm or Flood Damage
Acting quickly can protect your rights and help your case later:
- Call emergency services if there’s danger.
- Photograph and video all damage before cleanup.
- File your claim with your insurer immediately.
- Keep receipts for food, lodging, and temporary repairs.
- Don’t sign anything from the insurer without legal advice.
- Contact a Houston insurance lawyer at Orange Law Firm.
Waiting could cost you your legal standing. Time limits under Texas law can restrict your ability to recover if you delay.
Timeline for Storm Claims in Texas for eg. (Kerrville)
Texas law is clear on deadlines:
- 15 Days: Insurer must acknowledge your claim
- 15–45 Days: They must approve or deny
- 5 Business Days: Approved claims must be paid
If they don’t follow these timelines, they may owe you extra penalties and legal fees. A reliable storm claims lawyer makes sure those timelines are enforced.
Orange Law Firm: Results That Matter
Our firm has successfully helped Texans recover after disaster:
Houston Family (Hurricane Harold)
- Initial Offer: $14,000
- Final Recovery: $79,000
- Strategy: Filed expert reports, appealed flood/wind classification, used TDI complaints to trigger fast action
Hill County Farm Owner (2025 Tornado)
- Denial: “Act of God” defense by insurer
- Final Recovery: $190,000
- Strategy: Legal intervention and challenge to improper policy interpretation
FAQ: Your Rights, TDI, and Legal Steps
Can I report an insurer to the Texas Department of Insurance?
Yes. Visit tdi.texas.gov or call 800-252-3439 to start the complaint process.
What if my insurance company ignores me?
They’re violating Texas law. A Houston insurance lawyer can take immediate legal action to force a response.
Is flood insurance mandatory in Texas?
Not statewide, but it’s required in high-risk zones. Still, many don’t have it. We investigate if other coverages—like wind-driven rain—apply.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
You generally have 2 years from the date of the denial or event. Speak to a storm and flood damage lawyer in Houston immediately if time is running out.
Call Orange Law Firm Today
When insurance companies stall or lowball, we fight back. With deep experience handling storm claims in Houston, Hill County, and across Texas, we ensure you’re not left picking up the pieces alone.
- Houston and Hill County Offices
- Call Attorney Karan Joshi at 713-885-9787
- www.orangelawfirm.com
Take Control After the Storm
Storms damage property. Insurance companies shouldn’t be allowed to damage your future. A dedicated Houston insurance lawyer can help you fight back, file strong claims, and rebuild faster, with the full compensation you deserve.
