New Braunfels lies on Interstate 35 (I-35) southwest of San Marcos, mostly in Comal County with part of the city in Guadalupe County. The Comal and Guadalupe rivers run through town, and the city mixes established neighborhoods, newer subdivisions, river-area homes, and busy commercial corridors. It is also home to the National Weather Service Austin/San Antonio office, which issues the forecasts and warnings for the region. When storm, freeze, or water damage strikes, a public adjuster in New Braunfels, TX can help you understand your policy and build a complete claim. San Marcos Public Adjuster works with property owners throughout the city.
We serve New Braunfels as one of the Central Texas communities around San Marcos and Hays County. We do not have a local office; we come to the property.
Severe weather and flooding in New Braunfels
New Braunfels sits on the same Balcones Escarpment that makes the I-35 corridor so prone to heavy rain. National Weather Service event summaries document several major events that reached Comal and Guadalupe counties:
| Date | What the NWS documented |
|---|---|
| October 17–18, 1998 | Major flooding; homes were washed off their foundations along the Guadalupe River from Canyon Lake to Seguin |
| October 30–31, 2013 | The Halloween flood brought major flash flooding along the I-35 corridor from Georgetown to New Braunfels |
| October 30, 2015 | An EF-2 tornado tracked about 8 miles from southwest of Geronimo to near the New Braunfels airport in Guadalupe County, damaging about 20 homes and destroying about 5 |
| October 30–31, 2015 | Two-day rainfall reached 10.10 inches at 8.8 miles north-northeast of New Braunfels and 15.49 inches north of Canyon Lake |
| February 15, 2021 | Winter Storm Uri dropped 5.5 inches of snow in New Braunfels, followed by days of extreme cold |
The October 2015 tornado survey notes damage that ranged from lost roofing material to complete removal of roof structures on slab homes, along with damaged garages, barns, and trailers. That range is a good reminder that two neighbors in the same storm can have very different claims.
Our storm lookup tool and storm history use NOAA records for Hays County, so they are most useful for properties near the county line. For events inside Comal or Guadalupe County, search the NOAA Storm Events Database.
Common New Braunfels insurance claims
- Hail and wind roof damage. Shingle, metal, and flat commercial roofs all take damage differently. See hail damage claims and wind damage claims.
- Freeze damage. Burst supply lines, fire sprinkler lines, and water heaters after hard freezes. See freeze damage claims.
- Water damage. Sudden leaks, collapsed ceilings, and mold concerns that follow. See water damage claims.
- River and creek flooding. Generally excluded under homeowners and commercial policies; covered only by NFIP or private flood insurance. See flood damage claims.
- Rental and commercial properties. Landlord, dwelling, and commercial policies have their own forms, deductibles, and loss-of-income terms. See commercial property claims.
Whether your New Braunfels home is on the Comal or the Guadalupe County side, your claim is governed by your policy and Texas insurance law, not the county line. What changes is where you find storm records and which offices handle permits outside city limits.
After the damage: first steps
- Stay safe and avoid flooded roads, low water crossings, and downed power lines.
- Photograph and video the damage before cleanup, including the roof from the ground, every room affected, and damaged belongings.
- Stop further damage. Shut off water, tarp openings, and start drying. Keep receipts for everything.
- Report the claim promptly and log every call, email, and inspection.
- Follow a checklist. Our claim documentation checklist lists what insurers usually ask for.
Texas claim deadlines New Braunfels owners should know
Texas insurers must follow the Prompt Payment of Claims Act in Texas Insurance Code Chapter 542. In general, an insurer has 15 days after notice of a claim to acknowledge it, begin its investigation, and request the information it needs. After it receives everything it asked for, it generally has 15 business days to accept or reject the claim, or it can explain that it needs more time, up to 45 more days. Once it agrees to pay, payment is generally due within 5 business days. Deadlines can be extended after a declared weather catastrophe, and surplus lines insurers follow different timeframes. Keep a dated log of every request and response. For questions about lawsuits or deadlines to sue, consult a Texas attorney.
Permits in New Braunfels
The City of New Braunfels has its own permit office, and its code and permit requirements are separate from the City of San Marcos. Check with the city before roof replacement, structural work, or major water damage rebuilds. Properties outside city limits follow the requirements of Comal or Guadalupe County, as applicable. Insurers pay code-required upgrades only to the extent your policy’s ordinance or law coverage allows. For background, see our building codes guide.
Working with a San Marcos public adjuster in New Braunfels
We represent policyholders only. For a New Braunfels claim, we inspect and document the damage, review your policy, prepare a detailed estimate, and handle communication with the insurer. If your claim was denied, underpaid, or delayed, we can review the file with you. We do not promise outcomes; coverage depends on your policy and the facts.
Learn more about our San Marcos public adjuster services, request a Free Claim Review, or call +1 (832) 503-5866.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which county is New Braunfels in?
Most of New Braunfels is in Comal County, and part of the city extends into Guadalupe County. The county matters for storm records and local offices, not for how your insurance policy works.
Why does your storm lookup show Hays County reports?
Our storm history data covers Hays County, which begins northeast of New Braunfels. For storms recorded inside Comal or Guadalupe County, search the NOAA Storm Events Database and choose the right county. NWS Austin/San Antonio event summaries on weather.gov are another good source.
A water line burst during a freeze. Is that covered?
Sudden pipe bursts are often covered, but many policies have conditions, such as keeping heat on or draining the system when a home is vacant. Coverage for repairing the pipe itself can differ from coverage for the resulting water damage. Read your policy and document everything before cleanup.
Who handles building permits in New Braunfels?
The City of New Braunfels has its own permit office, and its requirements are separate from San Marcos. Properties outside city limits follow county requirements. Check with the correct office before starting repairs.
What does a public adjuster cost?
Fees are disclosed in a written contract before any work begins; Texas law caps public adjuster compensation at 10% of the insurance settlement. You may rescind within 72 hours of signing.