Roof Damage Attorneys in San Antonio

Fighting For Fair Insurance Settlements in Texas

Due to the severe nature of storms that are experienced in Texas, the roof of a home or business may sustain damage caused by severe hail or wind. Strong winds may also cause a roof to be ripped away from the structure of the home. In turn, water damage to the contents and structure of the home may result. Repairing the structural damage and replacing ruined possessions can cost thousands of dollars that many people don’t have. In a perfect world, your property insurance coverage would pay for these expenses, but claims are often denied or undervalued, leaving homeowners and business owners scrambling to address the issue.

If you are dealing with issues related to your insurance claim being approved or need assistance understanding what is covered in your current insurance policy, contact the law firm of Stormlex Law Group at (877) 890-6372 and schedule a free consultation with an experienced property damage lawyer who can explain your rights and legal options.

What Is the “Right to Repair” Clause in an Insurance Policy?

Some homeowners’ insurance policies have what is known as a “Right to Repair” clause written into their policy. This little-known clause could permit the insurance company to repair your roof using its own contractors. In many instances, instead of having a roof replaced, they will make cheaper roof repairs, which may cause the problem to become worse over time.

There are many troubling aspects associated with the “Right to Repair” clause that policyholders continually take issue with when it comes to roof damage. One of the most predominant is not being able to hire a contractor you trust to complete the repairs. Your insurer may offer you a slight discount or perhaps even force you to accept the “Right to Repair” clause.

When this clause is invoked, you may be at the mercy of the insurance company as to when the actual repairs are completed. In the past, many individuals have complained about disagreements, delays, undervaluation, and inferior repairs surrounding this clause.

Taking this into account, it may be wise to search for an insurance provider who will not include this type of stipulation within your homeowner’s insurance policy. It’s important to note that if your policy includes this Right to Repair clause at the time you file your claim, you are subject to its implementation unless you decide to pay out of pocket for repairs.

Can I Dispute an Insurance Claim Against My Insurance Company?

We have been led to believe that if we faithfully pay our premiums, then the insurance company will make sure that all of our needs are met should an occasion arise in which we need to make a claim. Disappointingly, an insurer may attempt to minimize the hail damage or the effect of the wind damage that you have suffered to your roof. In turn, they may try to compensate you for less than your claim is worth.

If this happens, you have the right to dispute the insurance claim, whether the claim has been denied outright or undervalued. This may involve submitting a formal appeal or requesting an independent appraisal of the damage. If your claim was denied for inadequate documentation or another issue, an attorney can help you provide a strong claim and follow up with legal action for breach of contract or bad faith practices.

You do not have to go it alone to get the just and full compensation that you rightfully deserve for your claim. Contact our law firm today by calling (877) 890-6372 and schedule a time to speak with one of our qualified attorneys.

How Long Does the Insurance Claims Process Take?

In some situations, the insurance company may try to delay the claims process, but there are deadlines the company must follow. In Texas, insurance companies have 15 calendar days to acknowledge that you have filed a claim and to start their investigation process. The company then has another 15 business days to either accept or reject the claim. There are some exceptions to this timeline. For example, insurance companies are generally able to use a 45-day extension if they choose, and if the claim is related to a natural disaster, the insurance company may be allowed more time to complete the process. In most cases, an insurance company must issue a check for a valid claim that they are paying out within 60 days of receiving proof of the loss.

If you’ve been waiting for an insurance company to process your claim longer than the allowed timeframe, it’s time to talk with an attorney. Getting a lawyer involved and taking legal action, if necessary, can hold the insurance company accountable and help you get your money more quickly.

What Should I Do If I Discover Storm Damage to My Roof?

Once the storm has passed and it’s safe to go outside, it’s important to inspect your property and all structures as soon as possible. This ensures you know if temporary measures, such as putting tarps over roof damage, need to be taken and that you have an accurate understanding of the severity of the damage. If you aren’t able to get on the roof safely, you can have a local contractor perform an inspection for you.

Review your policy to determine if the damage is covered and what the claims process entails. It’s critical not to make any permanent repairs until after you’ve talked with your insurance company. The company will send an agent out to inspect the property as part of their process, and already making repairs could lead to a denied claim.

Once the insurance company has finished its investigation, it will communicate its decision to you. If your claim was unfairly denied or you believe the damage was undervalued, an attorney can help you take action to appeal or get a second opinion from a third-party contractor. Remember that there are deadlines for how long you have to file a claim, so it’s important to act quickly and respond promptly to any additional requests for information from the insurance company.

Why Should I Hire a San Antonio Roof Damage Lawyer?

If you live in an area where there has recently been a major weather event that has caused widespread property damage claims, the insurance companies are most likely looking at having to pay out a considerable amount of money. During this time, policyholders need to be particularly vigilant when dealing with their insurer, as they may attempt to minimize your roof damage claim in an effort to save the company money.

Hiring a roof damage attorney can help you fight back against the insurance company and ensure you get the maximum compensation you’re entitled to. An attorney can help in cases involving significant property damage, simplifying the complexity of storm damage claims for property owners and making it easier to understand your policy coverage.

If you end up needing to file a bad faith claim against the insurance company, an attorney can help you recover damages that could include your claim amount as well as other expenses, such as attorney fees. Storm damage attorneys in San Antonio are familiar with the deadlines for insurance claims and can help you get fair compensation in a timely manner. This can also include negotiating a fair settlement if the company tries to undervalue your claim.

Contact Stormlex Law Group Today for a Free Consultation

The attorneys at Stormlex Law Group can assist you in reviewing your current policy and explain your legal rights. We strive to protect our clients from insurance companies that are more worried about their own financial state than that of their policyholders. Contact us at (877) 890-6372 to schedule a free consultation today.