Hurricane Damage Claim Attorneys in Texas
Providing Legal Support and Guidance for Homeowners in Texas
The summer months bring Hurricane Season to the Southeast, and Gulf Coast states like Texas are included in this watchful time. Coastal areas like Galveston, Houston, and Corpus Christi are the most vulnerable to a direct hit from a hurricane, but the damaging effects of tropical storms and the related weather systems can reach far inland. If torrential rain, hail, or wind impact your area, your home could face substantial property damage.
Insurance companies make money by selling homeowners peace of mind that the carrier will cover their claim if and when they have one. However, insurance companies are for-profit businesses, and many people find their claims denied or unreasonably delayed when they need help the most. If you’re struggling to get your insurance provider to pay out a legitimate claim after a hurricane, get in touch with the attorneys at Stormlex Law Group. Call our office at (877) 890-6372 to schedule a consultation.
What Happens After Your Home Is Damaged by a Hurricane?
Even if you have ample warning that a hurricane will hit your area, there’s only so much you can do to protect your home. Boarding up windows and taking measures to avoid water intrusion is essential, but you’re still likely to find some damage after the storm has passed. For some, this may be minor, such as a couple of loose shingles or some debris on the lawn. The damage can be catastrophic for others, resulting in extensive roof damage and water intrusion.
Once you know your home has suffered property damage, it’s time to start the claims process. Take pictures of any structural damage and any damage to the contents of your home. Video footage can provide a better idea of the overall scope of the damage. If areas of the property aren’t safe to access for pictures, using a recreational drone or hiring a contractor to do an assessment of the damages can be solid options.
Notify your insurance company as soon as possible to expedite your claim. After a natural disaster like a hurricane, there are likely to be hundreds of homeowners making claims, and it can overwhelm the system and lead to delays. It may also be more difficult to get contractors out to give repair estimates during this time. If you need to take any temporary measures to protect your home from further damage, it’s essential to do so. Your insurance policy may require this and could deny a claim or try to say that the damage was caused after the hurricane if you don’t. Save the receipts for any supplies you buy, as these are often reimbursable.
The insurance company has 15 days after you’ve submitted your claim to acknowledge it and start its investigation. This usually begins with the insurance adjuster inspecting the property and estimating the damage. While insurance companies generally have 15 days after the start of the inquiry to approve or deny a claim, a hurricane may qualify as a natural disaster, which provides an automatic extension on this deadline. Ensure you comply with requests for additional documentation as quickly as possible to avoid further delays.
Once the insurance company has decided on your claim, the adjuster will generally notify you in writing. If your claim is approved, you can start on the repairs. If it’s denied, you may need to contact a property damage claim attorney to appeal.
What Type of Hurricane Damage Does a Standard Insurance Policy Cover?
If you have a standard homeowners insurance policy, it should cover storm-related damage, such as hail, rain, or wind damage. However, some of the most catastrophic damage that happens during and after a hurricane is often due to storm surges and flooding. Most homeowners’ insurance policies specifically exclude flood coverage, which can leave you without the money you need to repair your home. You need a separate flood insurance policy to have this damage included in coverage.
Some policies may also have specific hurricane deductibles that apply in high-risk areas. For most property damage claims, your deductible is a flat amount, such as $1,000. This is the amount you have to pay before the insurance company will cover the rest up to your coverage limit. However, deductibles for hurricane insurance claims work differently. Instead of a flat fee, these may be a percentage of the home’s insurance value. If your home is insured for $750,000, and your hurricane deductible is 2 percent, your deductible would be $15,000. This is often a surprise for homeowners, and it’s one reason why it’s so important to review your policy carefully and ensure you understand precisely what the policy covers and how claims related to hurricanes may be handled differently.
What Areas in Texas Are Eligible for a TWIA Policy?
Coverage through the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) is available for some high-risk coastal counties in Texas. These include:
- Aransas County
- Brazoria County
- Calhoun County
- Cameron County
- Chambers County
- Harris County (parts of)
- Galveston County
- Jefferson County
- Kenedy County
- Kleberg County
- Matagorda County
- Nueces County
- Refugio County
- San Patricio County
- Willacy County
To be eligible for one of these policies, you also must have been denied coverage from another insurance company that writes or renews wind or hail policies in your area. You will need to have TWIA or the Texas Department of Insurance certify that your home meets certain building codes, and you may be required to provide proof of flood insurance.
What Steps Can You Take After a Hurricane to Get Your Maximum Insurance Benefits?
Presenting a strong initial claim and promptly notifying your insurance company after a hurricane are two of the most important things you can do to maximize your insurance benefits. Hurricane claims should include as much documentation of the storm damage to your home and personal property as possible. This includes pictures and videos of the damage, quotes from contractors, and receipts for any expenses.
If you disagree with the adjuster’s valuation or you’re having difficulty communicating with the adjuster assigned to your case, you may also be able to request a new adjuster or an administrative review. It’s critical to know what your policy covers and what the estimated value of the damage is so that you have the information you need to negotiate a fair settlement.
In some cases, you may need to get an attorney involved to ensure you get the benefits you’re entitled to through your policy. While many people wait until the insurance company has denied their claim, it’s never too early to discuss your case with an attorney. They can help you understand your policy, push back against hurricane damage insurance claims that are undervalued, and be ready to file an appeal, formal complaint, or lawsuit if that’s what’s required to get you what you deserve.
Do You Have a Bad Faith Claim?
While not all insurance disputes are situations where an insurance company is acting in bad faith, it can and does happen. The best way to determine if you may have a bad faith claim against your insurance provider is to have an attorney review your case. Common actions they look for include denying a claim without reason, unreasonably delaying the claim or payment after the claim has been approved, not making a good faith effort to negotiate a settlement, and refusing to consider evidence that supports your property damage claim.
While it’s generally a last resort after other administrative reviews have been unsuccessful, filing a bad faith claim against the insurance company can help you get results. The most important part of a bad faith claim is being able to prove that the insurance company knew the claim was legitimate and acted unreasonably in its attempt to deny or delay coverage. If you have questions about how bad faith claims work or when it’s time to take legal action, call Stormlex Law Group today.
Contact Our Texas Hurricane Damage Lawyers
It seems simple. You pay your premiums, you submit a claim, and the insurance company reimburses you for your losses. In reality, almost half of all property damage claims are initially denied, and you may need an attorney to ensure a complete recovery of your damages. At Stormlex Law Group, we have a proven track record of helping homeowners in Texas fight underpayments and denials. We know how to navigate policy issues and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. If necessary, we’re also prepared to file a bad faith claim against the insurance company to hold them accountable. Call (877) 890-6372 to speak to a member of our team today.