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.

Texas 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, 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.