The claim timeline, step by step
| When | What happens | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Notice of claim | You report the loss to the insurer. Your policy may set its own notice requirements. | Policy |
| Within 15 days | Insurer acknowledges the claim, starts its investigation and requests the items, statements and forms it reasonably believes it will need. Surplus lines insurers: 30 business days. | § 542.055(a) |
| During investigation | Insurer may make additional requests if they are necessary. | § 542.055(b) |
| Within 15 business days after final proof of loss | Insurer notifies you in writing that it accepts or rejects the claim. A rejection must state its reasons. Suspected arson: 30 days. | § 542.056(a)–(c) |
| If more time is needed | Within the same period, insurer explains why it needs more time, then must accept or reject within 45 days after that notice. | § 542.056(d) |
| Within 5 business days after acceptance | Insurer pays the accepted claim or part of it, or within 5 business days after a condition you must perform is met. Surplus lines: 20 business days. | § 542.057 |
| Payment delayed more than 60 days | If payment is delayed beyond the applicable period (or more than 60 days if none applies) after the insurer receives the required items, statutory damages under § 542.060 may apply. | § 542.058(a) |
| Weather catastrophe | When the commissioner declares a weather-related catastrophe or major natural disaster, these deadlines are extended by 15 days. | § 542.059(b) |
| Late-payment remedy | Interest on the claim and reasonable attorney's fees: 18% a year, or, in Chapter 542A actions, simple interest at the judgment-date rate under § 542.060(c). | § 542.060 |
| At least 61 days before suit (weather claims) | Written pre-suit notice with the required contents. | § 542A.003 |
| Within 30 days after notice | Insurer may request an inspection, to be completed within 60 days of notice if reasonably possible. | § 542A.004 |
| Chapter 541 lawsuit deadline | An action under Chapter 541 must be brought before the second anniversary of the conduct or its discovery, with a possible 180-day extension in limited circumstances. | § 541.162 |
| Policy suit deadline | Most policies contain a 'suit against us' condition with their own time limit. Read your policy. | Policy |
"§" references are to the Texas Insurance Code. Deadlines can change based on the facts, the type of insurer and the policy; the statute text controls.
How to use this timeline
- Write down the date you reported the claim and the claim number.
- Keep copies of every request and the date you answered it. The 15-business-day decision clock under § 542.056 runs from receipt of the items the insurer requires.
- Save the denial or payment letter. A rejection must state its reasons (§ 542.056(c)).
- Watch policy deadlines, including notice and suit limitations, which are separate from the statute.
If your claim has gone past these deadlines without a decision or payment, or you are close to a policy or statutory deadline, talk with an attorney promptly.
See also: Chapter 542A pre-suit notice · Texas claim and lawsuit deadlines · Bad faith
Statute references are to the Texas Insurance Code and are summarized for general information. The full text controls. Laws change; check the current version.
