When the Inspection Typically Happens
After you file a claim, your insurance company assigns an adjuster who schedules a visit to assess the damage. Timing varies by insurer and by how many claims they are handling at once, particularly during a widespread storm event when many Austin homeowners may be filing claims simultaneously.
Under normal, non-disaster circumstances, expect scheduling within roughly several days to two weeks of filing.
What the Adjuster Actually Does During the Visit
The adjuster examines the affected areas, takes their own photos and measurements, and reviews any documentation you provide, including your own photos, moisture readings from a restoration crew, and receipts for any completed work. They use this to determine the covered scope and estimated cost of repairs under your specific policy.
This is a fact-finding visit, not typically a negotiation, though you can raise questions or concerns during it.
How to Prepare Before the Adjuster Arrives
Before the visit, gather any photos or video you took at the time of the damage, keep a written timeline of when you noticed the issue and what steps you took, and if a restoration company has already assessed your home, have their documentation, including moisture readings, ready to share.
Avoid making permanent repairs before the adjuster's visit if possible, since visible evidence of the damage supports a more accurate assessment.
What Happens After the Inspection
Following the visit, the adjuster typically provides a written estimate of covered damage and cost. If this aligns with what you and your restoration contractor expected, the claims process moves toward approval and payment. If there is a significant discrepancy, you can request a re-inspection or provide additional documentation to support your position.
Clear, thorough documentation throughout the process, both your own and from the professionals you worked with, is consistently the biggest factor in a smooth claims outcome.