How a home or car insurance claim works, from first report to payment: Texas and Washington steps

The short answer: the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) lists four steps for a home or car claim. You file, the company asks questions, you choose a contractor or shop, and you get paid.^[1] Deadlines differ by state. This page draws on Texas and Washington guidance and covers property and auto claims only.

The short version

TDI says to file a claim as soon as you can, with your own company or someone else's, and to let your own company know about an accident either way.^[1]
Washington's OIC says you can ask what is covered without filing a claim, if you do not want a claim on your record.^[2]
Both regulators give response deadlines for insurers. They are listed below, state by state.^[2]

Texas: the four steps TDI lists

Step	What TDI says	Deadline TDI gives
1. You file your claim	File as soon as you can, by phone, online or in the company's app. Write down accident details, take photos and videos of damage, keep the damage from getting worse, and keep receipts.^[1]	The company has 15 business days to say it got your claim, and must also start its review and ask you for any information it needs.^[1]
2. The company asks questions	The company looks at your policy to see if it covers the type of damage you had. An adjuster might visit in person or look at pictures of the damage to estimate repair costs.^[1]	15 business days after getting what it needs from you to tell you whether it will pay. If it rejects the claim it must say why in writing. It can extend by 45 days if it tells you why.^[1]
3. You choose a contractor or shop	Your insurer might give you a list of body shops, but you can take your car to any shop. TDI says to get estimates from more than one contractor or shop and to show them the insurance company's estimate.^[1]	None listed
4. You get paid	The company subtracts your deductible if you used your own insurance. For home claims with replacement cost coverage you might get two payments: estimated repair costs minus depreciation first, then a second payment after repairs.^[1]	Once the company agrees to pay all or part of the claim, it must pay within five business days.^[1]

TDI says it can extend these deadlines by 15 more days after a weather-related catastrophe.^[1]
If you have a loan on your house, TDI says the company will usually send the payment to your mortgage company, which must get in touch with you within 10 days of getting the payment.^[1]
TDI says the deadlines on its page do not apply if another driver's insurance is paying the claim, but that company must still try to settle your claim quickly and fairly.^[1]
If you disagree with the payment, TDI says to call your insurance company or agent and provide documentation to back up your position.^[1]

Washington: home claims

The OIC says to contact your agent or company, review your policy with them and ask what is covered, and ask what information they need.^[2]
It says insurers generally consider your claims history when deciding whether to continue covering you or adjusting premiums.^[2]
It says to notify the police if the loss is due to a crime, and to contact your flood insurer too if the claim is about flooding from a nearby waterway.^[2]
Within 15 business days of receiving your fully completed forms, the OIC says the company should accept, deny, or advise you if it needs more time. It should complete the investigation within 30 days if possible, and otherwise notify you within 45 days after you file and explain why.^[2]
Your insurer has 30 days from the date you filed to inspect the damage, and it is not required to send an adjuster.^[2]
You have the right to select your own contractor. The insurer may recommend contractors but is not required to give you a list.^[2]
The OIC says an "assignment of benefit" form could allow a contractor to negotiate, make decisions and settle the claim directly with the insurer without your approval, so talk to your agent or company before you sign.^[2]
You can work with the insurer's adjuster or hire a public adjuster, a licensed person who works on your behalf, and the OIC says to make sure they are licensed in Washington.^[2]
You are entitled to an appraisal if you disagree with the amount of your loss.^[2]

Washington: auto claims

The OIC says the time you have to file an auto claim varies by policy and company, so verify it with your agent.^[3]
It says typically the choice of repair shop is up to you.^[3]
The adjuster might recommend original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, non-OEM parts or used parts, and the OIC says if you demand new OEM parts you may have to pay the difference in cost.^[3]
When you file a claim, your insurer can try to recover costs from the person responsible, which the OIC calls subrogation. If you paid a deductible, the company must include it in its demand to the at-fault party.^[3]
The OIC says diminished value, the gap between a car's market value before an accident and after repair, is typically claimed against the at-fault party's insurer, and some policies do not cover it.^[3]
It says repairs can take as long as six months because of nationwide parts and staffing shortages.^[3]

How to verify this yourself

Read the three regulator pages listed below. Then write down the dates you reported the claim, the dates each request or response happened and the name of each person you spoke with, and compare them with your state's deadlines. TDI lists a number to call with questions: 800-252-3439.^[1] Washington's OIC lists Consumer Advocacy at 800-562-6900.^[2]

What this page does not cover

We read one Texas page and two Washington pages. Other states' deadlines, rights and procedures differ, and so do individual policies, so check your state regulator and your policy. We do not cover health, life or disability claims, flood or other special programs, total-loss valuation, or what to do if a claim is denied. This is general information, not insurance or legal advice. For your own claim, ask your insurer or agent, or contact your state insurance regulator.

Your next step

Report the loss, write down every date, and keep your receipts and photos. If you disagree with a decision, tell your insurer why in writing. Our guide on unfair claims settlement practices explains what the model rules say about insurer conduct.

Related checks

Our standard explains how we check an agent's license and disciplinary history. Check an agent reports our findings at category level, as a method and not a verdict. Neither reviews any insurer, plan or product. To confirm the person selling you coverage is licensed, see how to check an agent's license. More plain-language guides are in the agent guides.

When we will update this page

We re-read the sources when they change. If something here is out of date, tell us. Corrections are dated on the page.

References

[1] Texas Department of Insurance, "Steps to getting your home or car insurance claim paid", read 3 October 2026 — tdi.texas.gov/tips/getting-your-insurance-claim-paid.html
[2] Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner, "Filing a homeowner insurance claim", read 3 October 2026 — insurance.wa.gov/.../filing-homeowner-insurance-claim
[3] Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner, "Filing an auto insurance claim", read 3 October 2026 — insurance.wa.gov/.../filing-auto-insurance-claim

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