My homeowners insurance denied my fire damage claim. Why would they, and what can I do?

Home insuranceDeniedChecked Nov 6, 2026

From K.Actuary, founded by Sangmin Kwon, ASA · sources checked 2026-11-06 · Source: Texas Department of Insurance · Home insurance guide · intro View original ↗

In short

In Texas, a company that says no must say why in writing.
Ask for that reason in writing, with the policy words.
If you disagree, you can complain to the state insurance office.

What this means

Texas says home insurance pays when your home or property is damaged by something your policy covers, like a fire or storm [1]. A claim can still be denied. The company may say the loss is not covered, or that the damage is a type the policy leaves out. For example, Texas lists losses that occur while the house is vacant for the number of days in the policy as something most policies do not cover [2].

If the company rejects your claim, Texas says it must say why in writing [3]. Ask for the reason and the policy words in writing.

If you disagree, Texas lists these options. You can ask for appraisal, which is for disputes about the amount of a claim, not about whether the policy covers a loss [4]. You can send a written complaint to the state department [5]. You might also have to file a lawsuit [6]. The sources give no deadline for a lawsuit.

Your next step

Ask your insurer in writing for the reason for the denial and the policy words behind it. Then read those words in your policy. If you still disagree, contact your state insurance department. The sources give no deadline for a lawsuit.

Check it yourself

Read the denial letter and your policy's list of exclusions. Your state insurance department's consumer pages say what your state requires. Texas is used here as the example. Your state's rules and your policy's suit deadline: "Don't know yet".

Where this comes from (6)

[1] Texas Department of Insurance · Home insurance guide · intro · checked 2026-11-06
Home insurance protects you financially if your home or property is damaged or destroyed by something your policy covers, like a fire or storm.
[2] Texas Department of Insurance · Home insurance guide · What risks does a home policy cover? · checked 2026-11-06
Losses that occur if your house is vacant for the number of days specified by your policy
[3] Texas Department of Insurance · Steps to getting your home or car insurance claim paid · Step 2 · checked 2026-11-06
If the company rejects your claim, it must say why in writing.
[4] Texas Department of Insurance · Home insurance guide · Resolving problems · checked 2026-11-06
The appraisal process is for disputes about the amount of your claim. It isn’t for disputes about whether your policy covers a loss.
[5] Texas Department of Insurance · Home insurance guide · Resolving problems · checked 2026-11-06
Complain to us. Your complaint must be in writing.
[6] Texas Department of Insurance · Home insurance guide · Resolving problems · checked 2026-11-06
Resolve your issue in court. You might have to file a lawsuit to resolve the issue.

How we found this

We matched your question to 6 official sources, 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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