Hurricane Beryl hit Houston on July 8, 2024. The Category 1 storm disrupted power to nearly 3 million people and damaged the property of countless residents.
If you experienced property damage, you likely plan to file an insurance claim for your losses. In this post, our team of Houston attorneys provides tips for submitting Hurricane Beryl claims, including why you shouldn't wait to file.
Why File Hurricane Beryl Claims Promptly
When you're dealing with the aftermath of a storm, you may feel overwhelmed. You might be making temporary housing arrangements, cleaning up your property, or even recovering from a storm-related injury.
Insurance filings for Hurricane Beryl damage may be the last thing on your mind. However, there are several reasons to move Hurricane Beryl claims to the beginning of your to-do list.
Policy Requirements
Insurance companies typically require policyholders to report damage claims promptly after a loss. If you fail to submit claims within a reasonable timeframe, your damages may not be covered.
Evidence Preservation
The longer you wait to file your claim, the harder it may be to prove it. Evidence can disappear or deteriorate over time. Businesses may delete surveillance footage that could help your case, witnesses may forget what happened, and additional storms can complicate damage assessments.
Statutes of Limitations
Even if you file Hurricane Beryl claims on time, your insurer may deny them. If your insurance company fails to provide a reasonable explanation for the denial, makes misleading statements about your coverage, or offers unreasonably low compensation, you may qualify to file a bad faith insurance claim. You must file bad faith claims in Texas within two years.
Faster Compensation
Hurricanes are stressful. Perhaps the biggest reason to file prompt Hurricane Beryl claims is to ensure speedy compensation, reduce stress levels, and restore peace of mind. The faster you file, the faster your life can return to normal.
Other Tips for Submitting Hurricane Claims
Timely submission is only one aspect of successful Hurricane Beryl claims. These tips for navigating weather-related insurance claims can also help you minimize your chances of denial and maximize your chances of a fair payout.
Document Your Losses
Whether your fencing blew down or flood water entered your home, you should collect evidence to support your claim. Carefully inspect the inside and outside of your house, taking pictures and video of all visible damages.
Make a list of damaged items, including their approximate value. Notes about what happened can also serve as useful proof in your insurance claim. If you must live elsewhere temporarily, track your expenses and keep your receipts.
File Claims in Writing
Notifying your insurance agent over the phone is not typically sufficient. Instead, report your claim in writing through the proper channels, such as on your insurer's website or app. Save communications with your agent or other insurance company representatives as evidence.
Mitigate Your Damages
Insurers typically ask policyholders to mitigate their damages. You may need to board up broken windows, remove valuables, and cover roof holes to prevent additional damage. Hold on to receipts from these expenses, as your insurance company may reimburse them.
Speak Carefully With the Adjuster
When an insurance representative comes to assess the damage, answer honestly and politely but cautiously. You may accidentally reduce the value of your claim by making speculative guesses or inaccurate statements. Seeking independent damage estimates from reputable contractors can also help you receive an accurate claim evaluation and fair compensation.
Need Help With Hurricane Beryl Claims? Contact Us Today!
Whether you have questions about filing an insurance claim or believe your insurer is acting in bad faith, McLaurin Law, PLLC, can help. Call us today at 713-804-7598 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.
