Commercial Property Losses in Texas
A guide for owners, associations, managers and investors of commercial and multi-unit residential property after a fire, storm, water or other loss in Texas.
Commercial and multi-building claims
Document the whole property, one building at a time.
A large loss raises the same questions as a home claim, multiplied: what the policy says, what was damaged, what repair costs, and what the insurer has put in writing.
- Multi-building
- Estimates
- Business interruption
Read the full policy, notify the insurer as the policy requires, and organize every photo, estimate and letter by building and by date. Texas law sets time limits for insurers to respond to a claim, and a written notice is generally required before suing over weather-related property damage.
Who this guide is for
Owners of apartment complexes, office, retail and industrial buildings, condominium and owners associations, property managers, and investors and lenders with an interest in a damaged property. If your loss is a single home, start with denied or underpaid insurance claims or hail and wind damage claims.
Commercial loss guides
Apartment and multi-building claims
Organizing a claim by building, unit and common area.
Scope and estimate disputes
Comparing scope, pricing and method when estimates differ.
Business interruption
Lost income, lost rents and extra expense, and the records behind them.
Appraisal and umpire process
How an appraisal clause works when the amount of loss is disputed.
Documentation checklist
A printable list of records to gather after a commercial loss.
Free consultation
Talk through your policy and your loss. My consultation is always free.
What is different about large claims
Questions to ask early on a large loss:
- How many buildings, units and common areas were affected, and how will each be documented?
- Is there more than one adjuster, engineer or consultant, and who has authority to decide?
- Will the scope be agreed building by building, or in phases?
- How are tenants affected, and are lost rents or extra expenses covered by the policy?
- What deadlines does the policy itself set for notice, proof of loss, appraisal and suit?
- Does a lender or mortgagee need to be named on payments?
Texas deadlines that may apply
Texas Insurance Code chapter 542, subchapter B, applies to first-party claims paid directly to the insured, with listed exceptions (Tex. Ins. Code §§ 542.051, 542.052, 542.053). After receiving notice of a claim, an insurer generally must acknowledge it, begin its investigation, and request the items it reasonably believes it will need within 15 days (30 business days for an eligible surplus lines insurer) (Tex. Ins. Code § 542.055(a)). It generally must accept or reject the claim in writing within 15 business days after receiving all items it required to secure final proof of loss (Tex. Ins. Code § 542.056(a)), and pay within five business days after notice that it will pay (Tex. Ins. Code § 542.057(a)). Exceptions and extensions exist.
For claims under a property policy for damage caused wholly or partly by forces of nature such as hail, wind, flood or a rainstorm, a written pre-suit notice is generally required at least 61 days before filing suit (Tex. Ins. Code §§ 542A.001(2), 542A.003(a)). See Texas Chapter 542A pre-suit notice and the Texas insurance claim timeline.
First-week checklist
- ProtectTake reasonable steps to protect the property from more damage, and keep receipts.
- NotifyGive notice as the policy requires, in writing, and keep a copy.
- PhotographPhotograph and video every building, unit, roof and system before repairs.
- RequestAsk for a complete certified copy of the policy, including all endorsements and schedules.
- LogKeep every letter, email and call in one master log by date.
About my background
Before I practiced law, I spent years on the property side of insurance claims. I was previously licensed and worked as a public adjuster, roofing contractor, home inspector and contractor, and I inspected and estimated large residential and commercial properties with many buildings. I also served as an appraiser, an umpire and a retained witness in first-party insurance disputes. I never worked for an insurance company.
Today I'm an attorney licensed in Texas and Alabama. I'm also a Florida mediator, but I don't practice Florida law. Every case is different, and no result can be promised.
Other states. The rules for a property in another state can differ. I am licensed to practice law in Texas and Alabama only, and I do not practice Florida law.
Frequently asked questions
What is a commercial property loss, and how is it different from a home claim?
It is damage to a commercial or multi-unit residential property covered by a commercial property policy. The questions are the same as a home claim, but there are usually more buildings, more people involved, more policy forms, and sometimes lost income.
Do I need to notify my insurer before I start repairs?
Read your policy. Most policies require prompt notice and reasonable steps to protect the property. Photograph and document the damage before permanent repairs, and keep receipts for emergency work.
Who should be on my team for a large loss?
That depends on the loss. Owners often work with contractors, engineers, accountants and a lawyer. Decide early who will keep the master record of the claim.
Can I talk to a lawyer before I send documents to the insurer?
Yes. You can talk to a lawyer at any point in a claim. My consultation is always free.
What records should an owner of several buildings keep?
Keep the full policy, photos and video by building, estimates, invoices, leases and rent rolls, financial records, and every communication with the insurer. See the commercial documentation checklist.
Does this apply outside Texas?
This guide describes Texas law. I am licensed to practice law in Texas and Alabama only, and I do not practice Florida law.
Related pages
Michael P. Bowman is licensed to practice law in Texas and Alabama only. The firm's office is in Austin, Texas; the firm does not have a bona fide office in Alabama. Law Office of Michael P. Bowman PLLC (The Claim Attorney), 7903 Entrada Cove, Austin, TX 78730. (512) 352-9937. Last updated October 29, 2026.
General information, not legal advice. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Responsible attorney: Michael P. Bowman, Austin, Texas.
