With hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes, Texas is no stranger to natural disasters. Even if you have an insurance policy to protect your property, it’s not always clear how to make a claim or prove your losses. In this post, an experienced Houston insurance claims lawyer offers tips and answers common questions about handling claims after a natural disaster.
Steps To Take After Natural Disaster Property Damage
The following steps can help you protect your rights and ensure your claim is properly handled.
1. File an Insurance Claim
Filing insurance claims as soon as possible puts the ball in the insurer’s court. If possible, request an independent damage assessment before the insurance adjuster conducts an inspection. Cooperate with the adjuster during their visit, answer their questions, and request a full evaluation, including structural and cosmetic damage.
2. Document Everything
Hold on to relevant receipts, such as those from emergency repairs or temporary housing. Make an inventory, estimate replacement values, and take pictures of damaged property for homeowner insurance claims. Maintain a log of communications between you and your insurer, including if they don’t return your phone calls or show up for a scheduled appointment.
3. Understand What You Sign
Read and understand any document you sign from your insurer, lender, or contractor during the claim recovery process. If you don’t understand it in English, ask for a translated version in your native language. Don’t feel pressured to sign anything on the spot. Feel free to take it home to review or have it reviewed by an insurance claims lawyer.
4. Choose a Reputable Contractor
Take steps to avoid falling for disaster relief scams or working with unscrupulous contractors. Look for established companies with positive online reviews. Ask for references — and then call them. You’ll also want to request several price quotes, assertively negotiate terms, and avoid contracts forcing you into arbitration (which precludes your right to trial).
5. Consider Contacting a Professional
Insurance companies have legal obligations to policyholders. If they make lowball offers, reject claims without written explanations, or delay payment unnecessarily, they may be violating the law. If you feel your insurer is treating you unfairly (or you just want help during the claims process), an insurance claims lawyer can help.
Common Insurance Questions After Natural Disasters
Texas insurance claim lawyers often hear the following questions from clients:
1. How Soon Will I Hear Back From the Insurer?
Texas law requires insurers to respond within 15 days of receiving written claims. Normally, they must accept or reject claims within 15 days of receiving the requested documents. However, that timeframe increases to 30 days in disaster situations.
2. Can I Repair My Home or Car?
You can make necessary temporary repairs to your property to prevent additional damage. Examples include covering broken windows and holes to keep water out. However, do not make permanent repairs until the insurance adjuster inspects the damage.
3. What If I Disagree With the Estimate?
If you disagree with the estimate for property loss claims, inform your insurer in writing and provide documentation to support your reasoning. You can also hire an independent adjuster but may have to pay them from your insurance proceeds.
If you feel your insurance company is undervaluing your claim or intentionally dragging its feet, consult an insurance claims lawyer. An attorney can help you with insurance company negotiations, appealing insurance denials, and filing bad-faith lawsuits.
To speak with a knowledgeable Texas insurance claims lawyer, call McLaurin Law, PLLC, at 713-461-6500 today for a consultation.
