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What Is Texas SB 458?

Texas Senate Bill 458 is a law passed in 2025 that added Chapter 1813 to the Texas Insurance Code.

The law created a standard appraisal process for certain residential property insurance disputes.

The process focuses only on disagreements about the amount of damage, also called the “amount of loss.”

It does not decide whether damage is covered by a policy.

Why Texas Passed SB 458

Before SB 458, appraisal language was not consistent across insurance policies.

Some policies limited or removed appraisal options.

This created confusion when homeowners and insurers disagreed about repair values.

SB 458 established a clearer, structured approach for handling amount-of-loss disputes.

Which Policies Are Covered

SB 458 applies to many residential property insurance policies issued or renewed in Texas on or after January 1, 2026.

This may include both admitted and surplus lines carriers, depending on the policy.

Commercial policies and Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) policies are excluded.

What the Appraisal Process Reviews

Appraisal focuses on:

• Repair scope
• Quantities of damaged materials
• Pricing of repairs

It does not address coverage, exclusions, or liability.

When SB 458 Takes Effect

The law applies to policies issued or renewed starting January 1, 2026.

Older policies may continue using earlier appraisal language.

Compliance Notice

Educational information only. BestRecourse provides inspection, estimating, documentation, and appraisal services limited to the amount of loss.

Table of Contents
- What “Texas Home and Auto Insurance Appraisal Law SB 458” Means
- When SB 458 Applies
- What the Appraisal Process Is Designed to Resolve
- What SB 458 Does Not Change
- Who Is Included and Who Is Excluded
- Why Documentation Matters in Amount Disputes
- How BestRecourse Fits
- FAQ
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Texas SB 458 adds Chapter 1813 to the Texas Insurance Code. The chapter requires certain personal auto and residential property policies to include an

appraisal provision that complies with Chapter 1813.

In plain terms, SB 458 sets a standard appraisal framework for disputes where the main disagreement is the dollar amount of the loss—not whether something is covered.

When SB 458 Applies

The act takes effect September 1, 2025.
But the chapter applies only to policies delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026.

That timeline matters because many homeowners and drivers will see the required appraisal wording show up as policies renew into 2026.

What the Appraisal Process Is Designed to Resolve

Chapter 1813 says the appraisal provision is intended to provide a dispute resolution process solely to determine the amount of loss when that amount is in dispute between the policyholder and insurer.

That is why you will often see SB 458 described as a “residential property insurance dispute resolution law” for valuation disputes. It’s about “how much” rather than “is it covered.”

What SB 458 Does Not Change

SB 458’s appraisal framework does not replace the rest of the policy. The statute states an appraisal under the required provision “does not affect any applicable policy terms,” and the award must be made in substantial compliance with the policy’s appraisal clause.

Also, Chapter 1813 is explicit that the appraisal provision is meant for amount-of-loss disputes. It does not convert appraisal into a coverage decision tool.

Who Is Included and Who Is Excluded

Chapter 1813 applies to personal automobile or residential property policies delivered/issued/renewed in the state by an insurer, and it lists multiple insurer types, including surplus lines (in certain circumstances) and the FAIR Plan Association.

The chapter does not apply to:

Policies delivered/issued/renewed by the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA)
Commercial insurance policies

Why Documentation Matters in Amount Disputes

When the disagreement is about the amount of loss, the quality of the records tends to matter. Photos, measurements, and line-item estimates help keep discussions focused on scope and pricing.

This is also where the secondary keywords fit naturally: “Texas SB 458 rights in property damage disputes” and “residential property claim under SB 458.” In a valuation-focused dispute, clear documentation can help explain what repairs are being discussed and why.

How BestRecourse Fits

BestRecourse supports homeowners and contractors with inspection, estimating, and documentation services. That means helping create clear, organized records—photos, measurements, and estimate structure—so the “amount of loss” discussion stays grounded in what can be observed and measured.

BestRecourse does not provide legal advice and does not negotiate or settle claims.

Educational information only. BestRecourse provides inspection, estimating, documentation, education, and appraisal services limited to the amount of loss. BestRecourse does not interpret policies, provide legal advice, or negotiate or settle insurance claims. For general consumer resources, homeowners may review information from the Texas Department of Insurance.

Recourse

Garland, TX

Contact
469 274-9159 | Alex@bestrecourse.com

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