There is no question that storms are capable of wreaking a lot of havoc and causing an incredible amount of damage to a person’s well being and his or her property. After a storm it is important that you know the steps you should take with your insurance to improve your chances of recovering the damages you are eligible to receive. Any delay in filing a potential claim could end up having a negative effect on the outcome of your case and leave you having to finance repairs which your should have been covered under your policy.
- After the storm is over, you will need to assess the impact the storm has had on your property. Once you have done this you should file a report with the police or fire department, if you are required to do so, then waste no time in calling the insurance company to file a claim. Be sure to have your policy number on hand and be ready to provide your insurer with the details, facts and pertinent information about what happened.
- Complete a claims form with your insurance agent. These types of forms provide information on what was damaged or destroyed, when it happened and how it happened. Some insurance providers allow this to be done online while others will require you complete the form over the phone or in person with an agent. In many cases insurers will not send a claims adjuster to inspect the damage unless it is significant.
- Prior to beginning any cleanup, take the time to compile your own documentation showing the loss and damage sustained. Be complete. Take pictures and make notes that can be included in your claim to substantiate your losses. In actuality, documenting your assets and belongings should be done long before a storm or any potential loss. This way you will be able to show before and after photos to your insurance provider.
- If the damage your house sustained requires you to make temporary repairs so as to allow it to be inhabitable, then go ahead and do so, as long as your insurance policy does not prohibit it. There are policies which lay out guidelines for these types of scenarios and it is important you follow those guidelines so as not to invalidate your claim. Receipts for repairs should be included in your claim. No major repairs or construction should be done until your claim has been approved, as you do not want to be left having to foot the bill.
- If your house in uninhabitable, your insurance policy may have a clause which allows you to be reimbursed for temporary housing and other related expenses. Check your policy first, then be sure to keep all of your receipts so they can be included with your claim.
- To expedite your claim, you will need to be available to answer any questions and provide any additional information your insurance provider needs to process your claim.
There are many reasons an insurance company may have for attempting to delay paying out on a claim, denying a valid claim or offering a settlement amount far below what you are rightfully owed. Following the above steps will help protect your interests and improve your chances of maximizing your claim. Should you believe your insurer is acting in bad faith, thus compounding the stress and frustration of an already volatile situation, our firm can help you to seek justice.
At Brasher Law Firm, PLLC our attorneys work hard to protect the rights of individuals who have fallen victim to bad faith insurance practices and we do everything we can to get justice for those wronged by such practices. If you have insurance, you deserve to be compensated for your loss on a coverage claim. Call our firm now and schedule to meet with one of our Texas bad faith attorneys so you can get the help you need.
