The six-month Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. For 2023, the official NOAA forecast predicts a “near-normal” number of storms, including a range of 12 to 17 named storms, which refers specifically to a storm featuring winds of 39 mph or higher. This year’s hurricane season may result in 9 hurricanes with 74 mph or higher winds, including four major hurricanes with winds exceeding 111 mph.
As Texans know, these powerful storms cause catastrophic damage to homes and businesses, and our state has endured some of the most devastating hurricanes in recent history. In 2017, Hurricane Harvey caused an estimated $125 billion in damages across Texas, making it the costliest hurricane to ever hit the United States. With their accompanying high winds, flooding, and other destructive features, storm season can leave homeowners and commercial property owners with hefty financial burdens but, often, without proper hurricane insurance coverage.
Hurricane insurance is an absolute must because it helps pay for the costs of repairing, replacing, or rebuilding your damaged property. Without coverage, homeowners either have to cover these costs, or attempt to seek a loan to cover the cost to make reasonable and necessary repairs to their home following a hurricane. Hurricane insurance protects against physical damage to your home or commercial property caused by a storm, physical damage to or destruction of your personal property, contents, or business personal property at the property, as well as additional living expenses, such as temporary housing and food costs you incur if you are displaced from your home due to the severity of the hurricane damage to your home rendering it uninhabitable.
This blog from a hurricane claims attorney discusses why hurricane insurance is crucial for Texas property owners and provides tips on ensuring adequate coverage before disaster strikes. Continue reading to prepare for hurricane season, then contact us at (713) 461-6500 to schedule a free strategy session.
McLaurin Law: when you need more than luck on your side.
Understanding Hurricane Insurance Policies
Although you can't purchase hurricane insurance specifically, you can combine several insurance policies to safeguard your property from unexpected expenses resulting from a hurricane.
Insurance policies generally fall under two categories: homeowners or commercial property insurance that includes windstorm coverage and flood insurance, which covers flood damage only. Most homeowners’ insurance policies in Texas include windstorm coverage, which can apply to cover the cost to repair/replace damages to your home or commercial property caused by hurricane force winds, windstorm, and hail, including resultant water damage if and only if the force of winds/hail damages the exterior or structural elements of your home in such a manner that it results in water intrusion into the home.
Flood insurance is primarily sold through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), although some private insurers also sell flood insurance. Flood insurance covers losses directly resulting from flooding or flood-related erosion associated with or caused by heavy or prolonged rain, snowmelt, or storm surge. Flood insurance does not only protect you in the event flooding causes your property to suffer water damage, it can protect you in the event flooding causes damage to any of the following:
- Electrical systems
- Plumbing systems
- Furnaces
- Water heaters
- Cabinets
- Paneling
- Bookcases
- Refrigerators
- Stoves
- Garage
- Walls
- Staircases
- Fuel tanks
- Solar energy equipment
Deductibles
There are two primary types of deductibles: a dollar amount and a percentage deductible. A dollar amount deductible sets a specific amount that the policyholder must pay before the insurance begins to offer coverage. A percentage deductible, on the other hand, is based on a percentage of the total amount of coverage provided under the policy, or the limit of liability for the main coverage provided under your policy. When reviewing insurance policies, you must understand how deductibles work because they can significantly impact any payment you receive from the insurance company for a hurricane claim.
Exclusions
Standard exclusions that may apply to some Texas hurricane insurance policies include the following:
- Damage from mold, fungus, or rot
- Damage from insects or animals
- Wear and tear
- Faulty or defective repairs, installation, or construction
- Nuclear hazard
- War
- Government action
- Intentional acts
- Earth movements, such as earthquakes and landslides
- Wind driven rain
- Water damage that is not expressly covered
- Sewage backup
- Damage caused by vehicles not owned by the insured
Additionally, many policies will exclude any losses related to business activities conducted on the property or illegal activities performed on the property.
Reviewing Your Hurricane Insurance Policy
When reviewing policies, pay attention to the coverage limits, or limits of liability, the different applicable deductible amounts, and exclusions to coverage. Coverage limits refer to the maximum amount an insurance company will pay for a claim. Exclusions are specific perils, events, or types of damage that are not covered by your policy.. Understanding these aspects of your policy can help you to ensure that you obtain, or currently maintain, adequate coverage in the event a hurricane causes damage to your home or property.
A deductible is the amount of money you must pay, or that the insurance company is entitled to deduct, from any payment it must issue to you for your hurricane claim pursuant to the policy. Knowing this information in advance can help you financially prepare in the event you need to file a hurricane claim..
Finally, make sure all contact information in your policy is up-to-date and accurate, including phone numbers, addresses, and email addresses for you and your insurance company. That way, if you find yourself filing a claim, you will not experience a delay in communication between you and your insurer.
Texas property owners should review their hurricane insurance policies regularly to obtain adequate coverage and understand their rights and responsibilities when filing claims.
Filing a Hurricane Insurance Claim
Understanding the claims process is vital if your property has sustained hurricane damage. An experienced Texas hurricane claims attorney can guide you through the process and protect your rights.
When filing a claim, document all damages as soon as possible. This includes taking pictures or videos of the damage immediately after the hurricane and keeping records of the amounts you pay out of pocket to complete temporary or even permanent repairs, such as receipts, invoices, etc. Contact your insurance company immediately to inform them about the damage and begin the claims process.
Navigating the Texas insurance claims process can be difficult; therefore, knowing what the insurance company owes you pursuant to the terms of your policy, as well as how adjusters and insurance companies may seek to undervalue your claim or damages during their investigation of your claim is critical. Your hurricane claim lawyer can explain this process and provide tips for dealing with both adjusters and the insurance company. A hurricane claim lawyer can help explain potential outcomes depending on your circumstances to help ensure that you receive full and fair compensation for your damages and losses according to the terms of your insurance policy and Texas law.
Working with a Texas Hurricane Claims Attorney
When dealing with Texas hurricane damage claims, an experienced hurricane claims attorney can provide legal knowledge, experience, and representation to help you receive a just payout. Professional advice enables you to navigate the complex laws and regulations of filing a hurricane damage claim.
When choosing a Texas hurricane claim lawyer, look for extensive experience handling hurricane damage claims of all sizes. Your attorney should know the laws and regulations that apply to your case, be available when needed, and take the time to answer your questions and concerns.
Follow the tips below for greater success:
- Provide your attorney with relevant information about your case, including: (1) documents related to the claim, such as correspondence you receive from the insurance company and adjusters, whether by mail, e-mail, or otherwise, adjuster’s estimates, photos, copies of claim checks you’ve received, and a complete copy of your insurance policy, or the declarations pages to your policy; and (2) documents/records of cost to repair/replace your damaged property, including quotes/estimates from contractors, receipts or invoices for any temporary or permanent repairs you have already completed and paid for out-of-pocket.
- Track all communication between you and your attorney so that nothing gets lost in translation.
- Remain patient throughout the process because resolving your claim may take some time.
An experienced Texas hurricane claims attorney can make all the difference in receiving your insurance money promptly.
McLaurin Law, PLLC: When You Need More Than Luck on Your Side During Hurricane Season
Reviewing your Texas insurance policies during hurricane season for adequate coverage is vital. However, securing the right coverage can be daunting and time-consuming for a homeowner or business owner. That’s why McLaurin Law, PLLC is here to assist with knowledge on how to maximize your insurance policy benefits. Don’t wait—call (713) 461-6500 or complete our online form today to schedule a free strategy session.
Our experienced Texas insurance attorneys will evaluate the specifics of your case, assess what type of new coverage may benefit you, and guide you about your existing policies for the best possible outcome. Protecting yourself before disaster strikes is crucial when living in a hurricane-prone area. When you need more than luck on your side, McLaurin Law can help keep you and your family safe and secure your peace of mind.
