Hunter Klein

A fire can turn your life upside down in minutes—but the insurance process that follows is often just as overwhelming. From hidden smoke and water damage to disputes over rebuilding costs, fire insurance claims are far more complex than most property owners expect. Learn what to watch for, how insurers evaluate claims, and how experienced legal guidance can help you recover the full value you deserve after a devastating loss.

Texas courts and regulators are reshaping property insurance claims in 2026. From the Texas Supreme Court’s In re Ace decision expanding appraisal rights, to new TDI appraisal rules and the Fifth Circuit’s discussion on concurrent causation in storm claims, these updates could significantly impact policyholders, contractors, and insurance disputes across Texas.

What did your property look like before the storm?

That question can determine whether your insurance claim succeeds or fails. Texas courts require policyholders to prove and segregate covered damage from pre-existing conditions or prior storms. Without documentation of your property’s pre-loss condition, recovery can be significantly limited — or lost entirely.

In this article, we explain why proactive inspections and proper documentation are essential to protecting your claim.

SB 458 takes effect in 2026, but TDI’s proposed rules may reshape the appraisal process in Texas insurance claims. Learn about timing, umpire issues, and qualifications before the October 6 comment deadline.

When an insurance claim goes to appraisal, policyholders and insurers alike often wonder — once the award is signed, can anyone change it?

A recent Texas appellate decision in Mallady v. Homeowners of America Insurance Company answers that question with a clear no. Once two members of the appraisal panel sign the award, it becomes binding. The umpire cannot rescind or “fix” it unless very limited exceptions apply.

In Texas, policyholders have a powerful tool when dealing with delayed insurance claims: statutory interest penalties under the Prompt Payment of Claims Act. But what interest rate applies, and when does that clock officially start ticking?

NEVER let a property damage claim sit for two years after the Date of Loss (DOL) without consulting a lawyer. You could lose your rights—or even get sued.

Green, Klein, Wood & Jones, also known as The Dragon Slayer Lawyers, are proud to announce that their signature Dragon