Questions & answers · Home insurance
My homeowners insurer paid less than my contractor's estimate. What options are there?
Home insurancePaid too littleTexasChecked Nov 5, 2026
From K.Actuary, founded by Sangmin Kwon, ASA · sources checked 2026-11-05 · Source: TDI View original ↗
In short
- Tell them why you disagree. Send your builder's quote.
- If they still say no, you can ask for appraisal or file a complaint.
- Find the appraisal deadline in your policy.
What this means
TDI says that if you disagree with the adjuster's final estimate, tell the company why and send supporting documents such as a contractor's estimate. The company may have overlooked something and may make adjustments [1].
If you still disagree, TDI lists these options [1]: • Appraisal, if your policy has it. You and the company each hire an appraiser, and the two choose an umpire. If their estimates differ, the umpire makes the final decision, which is binding on both sides. You pay your appraiser and half of the umpire's expenses. TDI says to check your policy for any deadline to demand appraisal. • Complaint to TDI if you think the company treated you unfairly. • Public adjuster. Some people hire one; TDI notes they charge fees and says to understand what you'll pay first. • Court, or mediation with a neutral third party.
TDI's roof page adds that with replacement cost coverage the first check is a partial payment and the rest comes after repairs start [2].
Your next step
+ deadline: find the appraisal clause in your policy. TDI says the deadline to demand appraisal is in the policy [1].
Where this comes from (2)
[1] TDI · checked 2026-11-05
If you disagree with the adjuster's final estimate, tell the company why. The company may have overlooked something and may make adjustments. Make sure to send any supporting documentation, such as a contractor's estimate for the repairs. … The appraisal process begins with you and the company each hiring an appraiser. The two appraisers then choose a third appraiser as the umpire. … If they are different, the umpire…
[2] TDI · checked 2026-11-05
If you have replacement cost coverage, the company will pay with two checks. The first check will be a partial payment. Your company will send the rest of your claim amount after you've started repairs.
How we found this
We matched your question to 2 official sources, quoted the exact lines, and re-checked each quote against its source on 2026-11-05.
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.
Related answers
- My insurer will only replace the damaged part of my siding, so it won't match. Do they have to replace all of it?
- Can I use a public adjuster to reopen an underpaid homeowners claim, and how much do they charge?
- In Texas, my insurer depreciated my roof on a hail claim. Do they have to pay the depreciation?
- Why did the insurer hold back part of my home repair money, and why is the check made out to my mortgage company?
Answer id CQ14. Spotted an error? Tell us.