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The aftermath of a natural disaster can be incredibly challenging, particularly if your property has sustained damage. The initial days and weeks can be even more frustrating if you have been displaced from your home or left without power for an extended period. As time goes on and life begins to return to normal, one pressing issue may remain: your property is still damaged, and you may be unsure of the next steps to take. Here are a few things to consider.

Assess the Damage

Assessing the damage following a storm may seem straightforward, but it is not always as simple as it appears. Several common types of property damage may exist, such as roof devastation, interior destruction, structure and foundation cracks, equipment ruin, and personal property loss. In some cases you may also have additional living expenses, business interruption losses, and/or spoilage losses. It is vital to document all of these losses to the very best of your ability. Take photographs, make notes, and don’t throw anything away.

If you are unsure if you have damage from the storm it is advisable to reach out to reputable contractors and professionals for an assessment. Sometimes you can't, or are unable, verify the existence of the damage on your own.    

File an Insurance Claim

As soon as possible, you should call your insurance company and notify them of your damage/loss. You can also contact the agent who sold you your insurance policy to assist with filing a claim. Some insurance companies now allow you to file a claim online or with a mobile app. In each instance, make sure you note the date you submitted the claim and save any claim number(s) you are assigned.

In Texas the insurance company has 15 days to acknowledge your claim. They will assign adjuster to inspect the damage and investigate the loss. If you have a contractor that you intend to perform the work, it can be helpful to have your preferred contractor present at the site inspection as well. Allow the insurance company to perform their investigation of the loss. Make mention of any damages you have noticed to the adjuster to ensure each loss is considered (this may include damaged personal property, food spoilage, hotel receipts, ceiling stains, fallen shingles, bent garage doors, etc.).

The adjuster should provide written correspondence throughout the claims process. Do not hesitate to reach out to the adjuster to request status updates in writing. If a claim determination is conveyed to you in person or over the make – make sure it is also followed up in writing by the insurance company!  

Understand Your Coverage

If you have not been through the process of filing a claim for property damage previously, some aspects of the process can be complicated. For example, each and every policy will have a policy deductible that will apply to your claim.

Policy Deductible: A home insurance deductible is the amount an insurance company will subtract from your payout if you file a claim. This is different than your premium!

Home insurance usually covers the structure of your home and your personal belongings, typically covering the cost to repair or rebuild your home after a covered event, such as fire, hurricane, vandalism, or theft. Many policies will also cover detached structures, such as a garage, shed, fence, or gazebo.

Most homeowners’ policies do not cover damages from flood water. Insurance companies are also not likely to pay for damages that happen over time (as opposed to from a specific storm event), like rotted boards, cracking window seals, or worn roofs.

All policies are different and include varying language. If you have any questions about the coverages your policy allows – do not hesitate to reach out to our attorneys at Barcus Arenas, PLLC for a free policy review.

Speak With Professionals

After experiencing property damage from a storm, it's crucial to reach out to reputable professionals to ensure a thorough and fair resolution. Start by contacting verified contractors who can provide reliable repairs and assessments of the damage. Public adjusters may also be helpful; they can represent your interests in negotiations with insurance companies, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. Additionally, consulting with experienced attorneys who specialize in insurance claims and property damage can provide you with legal guidance and support throughout the process. Working with these trusted professionals can significantly alleviate the stress and complexity of recovering from storm damage.

At Barcus Arenas, PLLC, we have extensive experience in handling the immediate aftermath of storms and are committed to being a reliable resource for ensuring you receive a fair and swift resolution. Our attorneys possess the expertise and connections necessary to guide you through this challenging process. We encourage you to reach out to our office with any case-specific questions or concerns, and let us assist you in navigating the complexities of storm-related property damage claims.

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