My homeowners insurer won't pay fairly. Can the state insurance department help?

TDI lays out five steps for a homeowners or renters complaint [1]: 1. Talk to your insurance company. If you disagree with the adjuster's estimate, explain why and send supporting documents such as a contractor's estimate. 2. Ask for an appraisal if your policy has one, or hire a public insurance adjuster. 3. File a complaint with TDI online; you can upload pictures or letters to and from the company. 4. TDI contacts the company. Companies have 15 days to respond to TDI and can ask for a 10-day extension. TDI then tells you what the response means for your complaint. 5. Get legal help if you're still not happy with the outcome.

What TDI can't do: make a company pay a claim unless the failure to pay violates a law or the terms of your policy; settle disputes about the facts (for example, whether damage was caused by a storm or by normal wear and tear); or help with complaints against another person's insurance company. TDI also can't help with complaints about mortgage companies, building contractors or roofers [1].