Free guide for homeowners
Before you call your insurance company.
What to know, what to document, and what to ask when your home is damaged, so a gap in your coverage doesn't catch you off guard.
A homeowners policy does not cover everything that can go wrong inside a house. Sewer backup, slab and foundation damage, mold, earthquake, and continuous leaks are often limited or excluded unless your policy carries the right endorsement. An endorsement is an add-on that adds coverage to your policy. This is not a reason to put off reporting a loss. Policies have deadlines, and you are expected to protect your home from further damage. It is a reason to take a short pause, read what you actually have, and ask the right questions before you call.
Where the coverage gaps usually are
| What happened | On a standard policy, generally | Ask your agent about |
|---|---|---|
| Sudden, accidental water release (burst pipe, failed supply line) | Generally: Often covered, subject to your deductible and policy terms | Ask about: Water damage limits, your deductible, and what counts as "sudden" |
| Continuous or long-term leak | Generally: Often not covered | Ask about: How your policy defines a continuous leak |
| Sewer or drain backup | Generally: Endorsement | Ask about: Whether you have it, and the dollar limit |
| Slab or foundation damage | Generally: Endorsement | Ask about: Whether you have it, and how it treats plumbing leaks under the slab |
| Mold | Generally: Limited; removal is generally not paid unless it repairs damage from a covered loss; a mold endorsement is available | Ask about: Mold limits |
| Flood (rising surface water) | Generally: Usually excluded; flood coverage is a separate policy and most have a 30-day waiting period | Ask about: Whether you carry a flood policy |
| Roof damage from hail or wind | Generally: Generally covered, but paid at replacement cost or actual cash value depending on the policy, and often with a separate percentage deductible | Ask about: Roof payment basis and wind and hail deductible in dollars |
| Fire and smoke | Generally: Generally covered | Ask about: Living expense limit and belongings coverage |
| Theft and vandalism | Generally: Generally covered | Ask about: Belongings limit and special limits |
| Earthquake and earth movement | Generally: Generally not covered; earthquake coverage is available as an endorsement | Ask about: Whether you have it, and its deductible |
Source: Texas Department of Insurance Home Insurance Guide, updated 6/1/2026, summarized. Policy forms vary by company; your policy's wording controls.
Why "call first, ask questions later" can backfire.
The Texas Department of Insurance notes that insurers commonly review your claims history and that a company can raise rates after two or more non-weather-related claims. TDI also says a company may not refuse to renew your policy because you filed a claim for something your policy doesn't cover. Before you call, ask your agent how a coverage question versus a filed claim is recorded. This is never a reason to miss a deadline.
Your eight steps before you call
Make it safe
Protect people first. Stop the source of water if you can do it safely, and stay clear of electrical hazards and contaminated water.
Protect the home from more damage
Policies generally expect this. Make only temporary repairs, such as stopping the water, tarping, or extracting standing water. TDI says to keep your receipts.
Document everything
Shoot wide, then close. Photograph and video every room and item. Keep a list of damaged items with approximate age and value.
Find your actual policy
Pull the declarations page and the list of endorsements. Note the limits and your deductible.
Ask coverage questions before you file
Call your agent with your questions. Write down who you spoke with, the date, and what was said.
Know your deadlines
TDI says to report claims as soon as possible, and some policies set a one-year limit. Once you file, TDI says your insurer must confirm it received your claim within 15 days, accept or deny it within 15 business days after it has all the information it needs, and pay within five business days after agreeing to pay.
Report it in writing
When it is time to file, do it in writing or by a method that gives you a record, and keep a copy.
Get the repair scope in writing
Ask a contractor for a detailed written scope of work and price, and make sure you understand what is included and what could change the price.
What to do first in common situations
Where a builder fits in
What we can do
- Walk the home and explain the damage from a building standpoint
- Document what we see with photos and notes
- Explain what the repair involves
- Write a detailed scope of work and price for the repair
- Answer your building questions
What we can't do
- Tell you what your policy covers
- File, negotiate, or argue a claim for you
- Promise that insurance will pay
- Diagnose foundation or structural movement (that is an engineer's job)
- Give legal advice
If we find something when we open the wall, we stop, photograph it, price it, and get your approval before we continue. If that happens, you'll get it in writing, with the price, before any work is done.
Questions about repairing the damage to your home?
Talk with MattGeneral information only; not insurance, legal, or engineering advice. True North Construction is a residential construction company, not an insurance agent, adjuster, public adjuster, or attorney. Coverage statements summarize the Texas Department of Insurance Home Insurance Guide (updated 6/1/2026); drying-time guidance is from the U.S. EPA. Your policy and Texas law control. TDI Consumer Help Line: 800-252-3439.