Earthquakes may not top the list of natural disasters most Texans worry about, but seismic events are becoming increasingly common, particularly in certain areas of the state. Even minor tremors can cause serious structural issues, from foundation cracks to compromised load-bearing walls. Structural damage from earthquakes can leave property owners facing costly repairs and the prospect of having to pay for it out of pocket.
If your insurer is stalling, underpaying, or outright denying your claim, you need a Houston earthquake property damage attorney who knows how to fight back. At Daly & Black, P.C., we are relentless in holding insurers accountable and helping property owners pursue the compensation they deserve.
Call us today to schedule your FREE consultation and take the first step toward getting the full settlement owed to you under your policy.
Does Insurance Cover Earthquake Damage in Texas?
Most standard homeowners insurance policies in Texas explicitly exclude earthquake damage or losses caused by other types of earth movement. To ensure your home is protected, property owners must typically purchase a separate earthquake endorsement or a stand-alone earthquake insurance policy.
Even with earthquake coverage in place, these policies often come with:
- High deductibles: Often based on a percentage of the insured property value, not a flat fee.
- Coverage exclusions: Many policies exclude damage to land (like sinkholes), pools, or detached structures.
- Strict reporting deadlines: Delays in filing a claim can be grounds for denial.
Why You May Want to Add Earthquake or Earth Movement Coverage
In recent years, seismic activity across Texas has been rising, largely in relation to wastewater injection from oil and gas operations.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey and Texas regulators, earthquakes of magnitude 3.0 and higher have more than doubled, with significant events now occurring in regions that historically saw little seismic risk. This surge in earthquakes makes it more important than ever for homeowners to ensure they are adequately covered.
According to the Texas Department of Insurance, most standard policies do not cover earthquake or earth movement damage unless additional coverage is purchased.
Purchasing earthquake or earth movement coverage may be a smart investment. According to the Texas Insurance Agency, this type of insurance can provide broad protection, including:
- Debris removal
- Foundational and structural repairs
- Replacement of damaged personal belongings
- Temporary living expenses if your home is uninhabitable after an earthquake
- Emergency repairs to prevent further damage
Coverage can often be added as an affordable endorsement to your existing policy, or through a stand-alone earthquake insurance policy.
Before seismic activity strikes, consider taking the following proactive steps:
- Carefully review your current homeowners insurance policy for exclusions related to earth movement.
- Consult with a trusted insurance agent about adding earthquake or earth movement coverage.
- Understand the deductible and limits of your chosen policy. Earthquake policies often carry higher deductibles but can protect you from catastrophic financial loss.
Adding this coverage can provide valuable peace of mind and financial protection in a state where seismic activity is becoming more frequent and unpredictable.
Why Earthquake Damage Claims Are Often Denied or Underpaid
Insurance companies don’t make money by paying what they owe. When it comes to property damage from earthquakes, they deploy every tactic in the book to delay, deny, or underpay.
One of their go-to moves is to hide behind “earth movement” exclusions, even when your policy clearly provides coverage for the damage. They’ll argue the damage was pre-existing or cosmetic, ignoring serious structural harm to foundations and support systems caused by seismic activity.
Structural property damage is expensive. Insurers know this. That’s why they often downplay or outright dispute expert findings, drag their feet on inspections, or starve you out with endless delays, betting you’ll give in out of frustration or financial pressure.
At Daly & Black, we don’t let that happen. When insurers put profits ahead of people, our team holds them accountable, just as we do in every kind of property damage dispute we handle. That’s what it means to be ALL IN. ALL THE TIME.
What to Do After Earthquake Damage in Houston
When the shaking stops, the fight to protect your financial future begins. If your property has suffered earthquake damage, taking the right steps in the immediate aftermath can have a significant impact on your insurance claim. Insurers are counting on mistakes and missing documentation, don’t give them the chance.
Here’s how to stay one step ahead:
Document everything, immediately.
FEMA recommends photographing and filming the damage before you touch a thing. The more visual evidence you collect, the harder it is for your insurer to dispute your claim later.
Preserve evidence.
Don’t throw anything away. Keep damaged materials and debris in place until an adjuster conducts an inspection. Premature repairs can give insurers ammunition to deny parts of your claim.
Notify your insurer. Fast.
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners stresses that early reporting is key. Insurers love to use “late notice” as a reason to reduce or deny payouts. Don’t give them the excuse.
Maintain a claim diary.
Keep a detailed record of every communication with your insurer: dates, times, names, and summaries of conversations. Save receipts for all temporary repairs and living expenses.
At Daly & Black, we’ve seen these cases play out time and time again. The clients who follow these steps put themselves in the strongest legal position when it’s time to fight back. And if your insurer drags its feet, underpays, or flat-out denies your claim? We’ll be ready to go ALL IN on your behalf.
How a Property Damage Lawyer Can Help
Insurance companies have teams of lawyers and adjusters working to limit payouts. When you work with Daly & Black, you level the playing field. Here’s how we help:
- Conducting thorough inspections with trusted structural experts to uncover hidden damage.
- Preparing comprehensive documentation to support your claim.
- Handling communications and negotiations with the insurer.
- Filing suit and pursuing litigation if the insurer continues to act in bad faith.
As a leading earthquake insurance claim lawyer in Houston, we understand the complexities of earthquake damage insurance coverage and know how to navigate these claims to maximize your recovery.
The Daly & Black Difference
At Daly & Black, we do more than handle property damage claims—we fight them like our clients’ futures depend on it. Because they do.
We are ALL IN. ALL THE TIME. for every homeowner, business owner, and property investor we represent. Our team brings a track record of results that has earned us national recognition, including multiple nominations and a win as Insurance Litigation Firm of the Year.
When insurers refuse to play fair, we are relentless in the courtroom and at the negotiating table. But just as important, we are trusted partners to our clients throughout the legal process—keeping you informed, prepared, and confident every step of the way.
When you hire Daly & Black, you’re not hiring a lawyer, you’re hiring a nationally trusted team that knows how to win against the biggest insurance companies in the country.
FAQ
Does homeowners insurance cover earthquake damage in Houston?
Most standard homeowners insurance policies in Texas do not cover earthquake damage. Separate earthquake endorsements or stand-alone policies are required for this type of coverage.
What should I do if my earthquake damage claim is denied?
You should contact an experienced Houston earthquake property damage attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can review your policy, gather evidence, and hold the insurer accountable for a wrongful denial.
How can a Houston earthquake property damage attorney help me?
A property damage lawyer can handle every aspect of your claim, from working with structural experts to negotiating with the insurer and pursuing litigation if necessary. They ensure you are not taken advantage of by an insurance company that prioritizes profits over people.
Take Control of Your Earthquake Damage Claim Today
When an earthquake leaves you facing costly damage, your insurer should be your ally—not your adversary. If they’re stalling, lowballing, or outright denying your claim, it’s time to fight back.Call Daly & Black today to schedule your FREE consultation with a trusted Houston earthquake property damage attorney. We’ll help you cut through the delays and excuses, and pursue the full compensation you may be entitled to.