Fire damage shakes a home in more ways than smoke and flames can describe. One moment your space is familiar, the next it feels like a scene paused mid-chaos, with soot on walls, a risen smell in the air, and dozens of sudden decisions demanding attention. Yet Texas homeowners are resilient, forged in the heat of difficult storms and unexpected challenges. Many decide to take on the initial post-fire claim process themselves—and with the right steps, documentation, and persistence, that’s absolutely possible.
This guide is your structured roadmap: simple where it should be, detailed where Texas policies require nuance, and empowered with expert-level knowledge that ensures insurers take your documentation seriously. Instead of wandering through the claims process blindfolded, you’ll walk through it with a flashlight, a checklist, and a strategy that protects your financial recovery.
Whether you’re in New Braunfels, San Marcos, Seguin, Austin, Dallas, Houston, Corpus Christi or anywhere across the Lone Star State, these steps reflect the realities of Texas fire policies, local building codes, smoke and odor claims, and insurer behaviors. You’ll not only learn how to handle the fire damage claim yourself—you’ll learn how to do it the right way.
And if at any point the process becomes overwhelmed by disputes, hidden damages, lowball offers, or insurer delays, PALCO Claims is licensed, local, and ready to step in.
Understanding Texas Fire Damage Insurance Requirements
Fire damage in Texas follows a specific set of expectations, timelines, and policy frameworks that homeowners must understand if they want their DIY claim to succeed. Most insurance companies follow the Texas Insurance Code—yet the way they interpret damage varies widely. Knowing your rights (and their obligations) is your secret advantage.
Below, we break down Texas fire claim basics in a clear, homeowner-friendly way.
Texas Policies Treat Fire as “Sudden & Accidental”
Unlike gradual damages such as long-term leaks, fire falls under the “sudden and accidental” category. This means insurers generally must cover:
- Structural burn damage
• Smoke and soot infiltration
• Odor contamination
• Heat damage to wiring, HVAC, and insulation
• Firefighter water damage
• Fire suppression chemical contamination
• Personal property losses
• Temporary living expenses (ALE)
Even small or localized fires—like a kitchen grease flame or electrical socket meltdown—can spread smoke through attics, wall cavities, HVAC ducts, and insulation. Texas insurers know this. Your job is to prove it.
Texas Requires Prompt Claim Handling
Texas law gives insurers these deadlines:
- 15 days to acknowledge your claim
• 15 business days to accept or deny after receiving your documentation
• 5 days to issue payment after approval
If they delay, stall, or give vague responses, document everything. Slow responses can become leverage later.
Texas Insurance Code §542 – Prompt Payment of Claims
Fire Department Reports Are Crucial Evidence
Every Texas fire—big or small—creates an official Fire Department Incident Report. This is a silent anchor of truth in your claim.
Texas Department of Insurance – Fire Claim Guidance
It documents:
- Cause of fire
• Extent of damage
• Areas affected
• Safety concerns
• Firefighter actions
Insurers treat these reports seriously, sometimes more seriously than homeowner statements.
Smoke Damage Rules in Texas
Texas insurers often resist paying fully on smoke claims, especially when the fire seems small. You must show:
- Soot on walls, ceilings, and insulation
• Odor trapped in porous materials
• HVAC contamination
• Damage to furniture, clothing, electronics
FEMA Smoke & Soot Cleanup Guidelines
Smoke is sneaky, and Texas heat intensifies its spread. Document every space—even those that look unaffected.
Texas Allows Homeowners to Use Their Own Contractors
Insurers may try to push “preferred vendors.” You are never required to use them.
Texas Department of Insurance – Choosing Your Contractor
Texas law protects your right to:
- Get your own estimates
• Hire your own contractor
• Seek independent inspections
Independent documentation often increases payouts dramatically.
Step-by-Step Process for Handling a Fire Damage Claim Yourself in Texas
Here’s the heart of the guide—a complete, Texas-focused, easy-to-follow blueprint that walks you through everything from your first phone call to the final settlement. Think of it as a step-by-step trail guide through a smoky landscape.
Step 1: Make Your Home Safe Before Anything Else
Before grabbing your phone, camera, or policy documents, make sure your home is safe to enter.
Look for:
- Structural instability
• Sagging ceilings
• Electrical hazards
• Wet flooring
• Falling debris
• Breathing risks (smoke inhalation, soot particles)
If unsafe, wait for fire authorities or a licensed professional. Never risk injury for documentation.
Step 2: Contact Your Insurance Company to Start the Claim
Call immediately. Mention:
- Date and time of fire
• Cause (if known)
• Areas damaged
• Immediate needs (temporary housing, board-up, tarping)
Ask for:
- Your claim number
• Your adjuster’s name and contact info
• A copy of your full policy
• Deadlines for submitting documents
Write everything down like you’re keeping evidence for a courtroom drama.
Step 3: Take Exhaustive Photos and Videos
Documentation is your greatest weapon in a DIY claim. Think like an investigator. Capture everything:
Exterior:
• Burn marks
• Broken windows
• Siding damage
• Roof damage
• Firefighter cut-outs
• Melted gutters
Interior:
• Ceiling and wall damage
• Soot patterns
• Smoke residue
• Water-soaked flooring
• Melted or warped materials
• Electrical outlets
• HVAC vents
Record before touching anything.
Walk slowly, narrating damage verbally in your video. This creates time-stamped evidence that’s hard for insurers to dispute.
Step 4: Don’t Discard Anything Until the Adjuster Sees It
Insurers love asking,
“Where is the damaged item?”
If you threw it away—your evidence disappears with it.
Keep all damaged items in a garage, porch, or sealed room until after inspections.
Step 5: Request the Fire Department Report
This report is a gold-plated, evidence-rich document. Insurers trust it. Provide it early to prevent disputes later.
Most departments in Texas deliver it within 7–14 days.
Step 6: Protect the Property (Temporary Repairs Only)
Texas policies require homeowners to prevent further damage.
Texas HO-3 Homeowners Policy Guide
Do:
• Tarp the roof
• Board windows
• Shut off utilities
• Remove standing water
• Secure the property
Don’t:
• Start rebuilding
• Replace materials
• Repaint
• Tear out walls
Keep receipts—Texas insurers reimburse temporary repairs.
Step 7: Create a Detailed Inventory of Damaged Items
This step takes patience, but it massively increases your payout.
For each item, note:
- Description
• Brand
• Purchase date
• Model number
• Condition before fire
• Where it was located
• Replacement cost
• Photos
Texas insurers often underpay personal property—documentation forces fairness.
Step 8: Gather Multiple Repair Estimates
Never rely on the insurer’s contractor.
Get estimates from:
- Fire restoration companies
• Water mitigation specialists
• HVAC techs
• Electricians
• Roofers
• General contractors
Independent estimates reveal the true cost of repair—not the “discount version” insurers prefer.
Step 9: Meet the Adjuster Prepared
When the adjuster visits:
- Walk with them
• Point out all damages
• Show photos and videos
• Provide your inventory
• Provide construction estimates
• Share receipts
• Request written explanations for anything they exclude
This is your moment to ensure nothing is missed.
Step 10: Analyze the Adjuster’s Estimate
Adjusters often:
- Miss hidden smoke damage
• Skip attic insulation
• Ignore HVAC contamination
• Underprice materials
• Overlook code upgrades (Texas requires compliance with current building codes)
International Residential Code – Texas Edition
If the estimate seems low, don’t accept it silently. Request:
- Reinspection
• Supplemental claim
• Itemized explanations
You have the right to challenge everything.
Step 11: File Supplements If Needed
Supplement claims cover:
- Missed damages
• Incorrect pricing
• Additional repairs required
Supplements are extremely common in Texas fire claims—don’t be afraid to file multiple rounds.
Step 12: Track ALE (Additional Living Expenses) Carefully
If your home is uninhabitable, Texas policies reimburse:
- Hotel stays
• Food
• Laundry
• Storage
• Mileage
• Temporary housing
Keep receipts. Insurers require documentation for ALE payments.
Texas Department of Insurance – ALE Coverage
Step 13: Keep All Communication in Writing
Every phone call should be followed by:
“Hi, this email is a follow-up to confirm our conversation today…”
This builds your paper trail. Insurers respect documentation more than memory.
Step 14: Know When to Call a Public Adjuster
DIY claims work well when:
- Damage is minimal
• The insurer cooperates
• The estimate is fair
• No coverage issues arise
But call a public adjuster when:
- Insurer delays
• Insurer denies legitimate damages
• Lowball estimates
• Smoke residue everywhere
• Burned structure
• Attic or duct contamination
• Hidden damages appear
• ALE is refused
• The insurer pressures you
Texas Public Adjuster Licensing
PALCO Claims steps in as the homeowner’s advocate—licensed, local, and highly experienced in Texas fire losses.
When Texas Homeowners Should Consider Professional Claim Help
There comes a point in some fire claims where “DIY” becomes “D-I-Why is this so complicated?” Texas insurers may appear friendly but their adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. This doesn’t make them villains—it simply means you must protect your own interests.
Here’s when a Texas public adjuster changes the game.
- When the Adjuster’s Estimate Is Too Low
If the insurer offers:
- Repair instead of replacement
• Minimal cleaning instead of full smoke remediation
• Low personal property reimbursement
A public adjuster recalculates everything using industry-standard pricing.
- When the Insurer Disputes Smoke Infiltration
Smoke moves through:
- Attics
• Insulation
• HVAC systems
• Wall cavities
• Carpeting
• Furniture
• Clothing
If the insurer claims “the smoke didn’t reach this area,” evidence-based professionals can prove otherwise.
- When Code Upgrades Are Ignored
Texas law requires homes to be rebuilt to current code—not original condition.
This heavily impacts:
- Electrical
• HVAC
• Insulation
• Roofing
• Fire barriers
• Venting
• Windows
Adjusters often exclude these, especially in older homes. A professional ensures they’re added.
- When ALE (Temporary Housing) Is Denied
Sometimes insurers claim the home is “livable” even when:
- Smoke odor is overwhelming
• HVAC is contaminated
• Power is off
• Structural damage exists
A public adjuster proves uninhabitability.
- When the Claim Stalls
Texas law sets deadlines, but insurers sometimes drag their feet. A public adjuster speeds things up with:
- Documentation
• Pressure
• Policy expertise
• Knowledge of Texas regulations
This often leads to faster settlements.
Read more: Recent Storm Strikes South Texas: How Palco Claims Is Handling Major Hail Damage Claims
Licensing & Credentials
PALCO Claims is fully licensed across multiple states:
Texas: TX: 2487288
Oklahoma: OK: 3001285558
Nevada: 4071263
With extensive fire claim experience in New Braunfels, Seguin, San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, and surrounding Texas regions.
FAQs
Q: Can I handle a fire damage insurance claim myself in Texas?
A: Yes, Texas homeowners can handle a fire damage claim themselves if they document all damage properly, follow policy steps, and negotiate with evidence. For disputes or low estimates, a public adjuster can step in to secure fairness.
Q: What is the first step to handle a fire damage claim yourself in Texas?
A: Begin by documenting everything with photos and videos, filing your claim quickly, and protecting the property with temporary repairs. This preserves coverage and prevents delays.
Q: When should I hire a public adjuster for a fire damage claim?
A: If the insurer delays, denies damages, or offers a low settlement, it’s time to call a public adjuster. PALCO Claims assists Texas homeowners from documentation through final settlement.
Palco Claims is a trusted Public Insurance Adjuster firm serving Texas homeowners and businesses with expert claim assistance for fire, water, hail, wind, and storm damage. With licensed adjusters, detailed inspections, and strong negotiation skills, Palco Claims helps property owners secure full, fair, and fast insurance settlements. Their team handles every step from documentation to final payout, ensuring clients never face the insurance process alone.