5 Common Property Insurance Claims Mistakes – And Avoid Them

Filing a property insurance claim isn’t just about calling your insurer and waiting for a check to show up. It’s a complex process with plenty of pitfalls, and if you’re not careful, a single misstep can cost you thousands. According to the Insurance Information Institute, over 1 in 20 insured homes has a claim every year. That means millions of people go through this stressful process—many of them unknowingly make the common property insurance claims mistakes that delay or reduce their payouts.

At TX Public Adjusting, we’ve helped countless Texas homeowners across Houston, Dallas, Austin, and beyond navigate this maze. So let’s break it down. Here are the most common property insurance claims mistakes homeowners make—and exactly how to avoid them.

1. Failing to Document the Damage Properly

This is, hands down, the #1 mistake we see. People clean up before they snap photos. They forget to keep receipts. They toss ruined items in the trash thinking, “I just want to move on.”

But here’s the thing—no documentation, no reimbursement. Insurance companies need proof. And not just a couple of blurry phone pics either.

What to do instead:

• Take clear, timestamped photos and videos from multiple angles
• Capture both wide shots and close-ups
• Save receipts, invoices, and estimates for everything
• Create an inventory list of damaged items, including brand, model, and value
• Keep damaged items, if possible, until the adjuster sees them

Without solid documentation, your insurer can’t fairly assess your loss—and might reduce or even deny your claim. TX Public Adjusting helps clients set up documentation systems right after the incident so they don’t lose critical proof.

2. Missing the Filing Deadlines

Texas policies are strict about timelines. In fact, some policies require notice of loss within just a few days of the incident. This is one of the most common property insurance claims mistakes homeowners make. They wait too long. They assume they can file “when things settle down.” Unfortunately, insurance companies don’t accept stress as an excuse. If you miss your claim window—even by a few days—your claim could be denied outright.

This mistake often happens during the most chaotic moments: water is pouring into the living room, your family is displaced, or you’re trying to organize emergency repairs. It’s understandable. But your insurer won’t care why you were late—only that you were.

How to avoid it:

• Read your insurance policy’s claim deadlines before disaster strikes
• File a notice of claim ASAP, even if your documents aren’t ready yet
• Use a digital calendar or app to set reminders for follow-ups and final submissions
• When in doubt, get TX Public Adjusting involved early—we’ll handle all critical timelines for you

We serve homeowners throughout Houston and the entire state of Texas. When you work with us, you won’t miss a single deadline that could risk your payout.

3. Not Understanding the Policy Details

Insurance policies are not bedtime reading. They’re dense, packed with legalese, and designed to favor the insurer. But if you don’t understand your coverage, exclusions, and limits, you’re walking blind into the claims process.

Some homeowners assume things are covered when they’re not. Others don’t know about their deductibles, coverage limits, or exclusions like flood damage (a big deal in places like Houston).

Get a grip on your policy:

• Review your policy before damage happens (you’ll thank yourself later)
• Highlight deductibles, limits, and excluded perils
• Ask your insurer questions—or better yet, call us at TX Public Adjusting. We break down complex policies for clients every day

We can interpret the fine print so you know exactly where you stand before you file.

4. Trusting the Insurance Adjuster Without Question

We get it. The insurance adjuster shows up with a clipboard and a smile. They seem helpful, maybe even sympathetic. But here’s the truth: they work for the insurance company, not for you. And their priority? Protecting the insurer’s bottom line—not making sure you get every dollar you’re owed.

This is one of the most common property insurance claims mistakes we see across Texas. Homeowners trust that the adjuster’s offer is fair and final. In reality, that first settlement offer is often far below what the repairs actually cost. It’s a strategic move—insurers know many people won’t question it.

What you can do instead:

• Get an independent estimate from a contractor or a licensed public adjuster like TX Public Adjusting
• Never sign a release until you’re confident the offer reflects the full scope of the damage
• If something doesn’t feel right—trust your gut and get a second opinion

At TX Public Adjusting, we’ve re-opened countless underpaid claims for homeowners in Houston and all over Texas. We’ve seen first-hand how big the gap can be between an insurer’s offer and the real cost of repairs. Don’t settle too soon—your home and your finances deserve better.

5. Making Permanent Repairs Too Soon

You might be tempted to start fixing things right away, especially if the damage is disruptive. But unless it’s an emergency repair, hold off until your insurance company completes their inspection.

Why? Because once you make permanent repairs, you eliminate the evidence. That makes it harder to prove your claim.

Here’s how to handle it:

• Only make temporary repairs to prevent further damage (e.g., tarping a roof, shutting off water, boarding up windows)
• Document everything before and after repairs
• Save all receipts and photos of temporary fixes
• Let your public adjuster guide you on when and how to proceed with permanent repairs

TX Public Adjusting coordinates emergency services and makes sure your claim won’t be jeopardized by premature actions.

Bonus Mistakes Worth Avoiding

We couldn’t stop at five. When it comes to insurance claims, there are a few more mistakes that homeowners in Texas make all too often—and they can have serious consequences. These slip-ups might not seem major in the moment, but they can quickly derail your claim and even jeopardize your payout.

• Being dishonest or exaggerating your claim is a huge red flag. It might feel tempting to inflate damage estimates or add a few extra items to the loss list, especially if you’re worried about getting underpaid. But don’t do it. Insurance companies have fraud detection systems in place, and if they catch inconsistencies, your entire claim could be denied—or worse, you could face legal action. Honesty is always the smartest (and safest) policy.
• Ignoring denial letters is another big one. Getting a claim denial is frustrating, no doubt about it. But that denial isn’t the end of the road. At TX Public Adjusting, we help Texans file strong, well-documented appeals that often reverse those decisions. You have the right to fight back.
• Losing track of communication can also trip you up. Always document every conversation with your insurer. Keep emails, letters, call logs, and claim updates organized. That paper trail could be the evidence you need if the process turns into a dispute. In short: stay honest, stay persistent, and stay organized. We’ve got your back every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Filing a property insurance claim in Texas isn’t just paperwork. It’s a negotiation—a high-stakes one. Mistakes like poor documentation, missed deadlines, or trusting the wrong party can cost you big time. But with the right strategy (and help from pros like us), you can protect your home, your money, and your peace of mind.

At TX Public Adjusting, we don’t just file claims. We fight for fair payouts. From Houston to Dallas, Austin to San Antonio, we help Texas homeowners win the claims game.

Need help with your claim or just want to make sure you’re doing things right? Reach out to TX Public Adjusting for a free consultation. We’ll walk you through every step and make sure your claim gets the attention (and payout) it deserves.