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I'm fighting my insurance company over a claim. How do I choose a lawyer, and what can the state insurance department do?
General insuranceLawyer / bad faithTexasChecked Nov 6, 2026
From K.Actuary, founded by Sangmin Kwon, ASA · sources checked 2026-11-06 · Source: TDI View original ↗
In short
- The state can take complaints, but it can't force a payment unless a law was broken.
- In Texas, talk to the company first, then file a complaint online.
- When picking a lawyer, ask about fees and past cases like yours.
What this means
Below is what the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) says you can do about a claim dispute, and what it cannot do [1].
What TDI says you can do [1]: • Step 1: talk to the insurance company. If you disagree about the amount of a property-damage payment, ask about appraisal. Two appraisers try to agree, and an independent third one decides if they can't. You pay for your appraiser and half the third appraiser's expenses. Appraisal can't decide whether something is covered. • Step 2: file a complaint with TDI. • Step 3: if you're still not happy and want to sue your insurance company, TDI points to resources to find legal help.
What TDI says it cannot do [1]: It can't decide who caused an accident. It can't force a company to pay a claim if the company didn't violate the law. It can't help with complaints against another person's insurance company.
The sources here do not say how to choose a lawyer, what lawyers charge, or what a lawyer needs to see. "Don't know yet" for those. Your own state's insurance department and bar may give this.
Your next step
Start with Step 1 and write down what the company says. If you want legal help, use the resources TDI links in Step 3. If you live outside Texas, check your own state's insurance department. The sources give no deadline.
Check it yourself
Open TDI, Get help with an auto, home, life/annuity, or other insurance complaint, at https://www.tdi.texas.gov/consumer/complaint-home.html and read Steps 1 to 3. Your own policy papers hold details these sources do not give: "Don't know yet" for your case.
Where this comes from (1)
[1] TDI · checked 2026-11-06
Step 1: Talk to the insurance company. You can resolve many issues informally by talking to the insurance company. Most companies have a toll-free customer help line. The phone number is printed on your policy. You can also call our Help Line at 800-252-3439 to get the company’s phone number and address. Ask your company about appraisal. If you and the company disagree about the amount the company will pay for proper…
How we found this
We matched your question to 1 official source, quoted the exact lines, and re-checked each quote against its source on 2026-11-06.
What we don’t know yet
Your own plan or notice may say something different. If your letter cites another rule, send it and we will look again.
Every answer is checked against the official rule it quotes.
Information only — not legal advice. Your plan, insurer or agency decides.
This answer quotes the official sources listed above, with the date we checked them. Your own policy, notice and state rules control. We are not your lawyer or your insurer. We don’t file, argue or negotiate claims for you — you send any letter or form yourself.
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