Types of Natural Disaster Claims

Homeowners, business owners and commercial property owners all face the same threat of natural disasters. In preparation of the unknown, property owners carry insurance to help protect them from hurricanes, floods, windstorms and other natural disasters. Damage can range from small repairs to catastrophic loss, with storms often striking with little warning.

After the wind stops and the water recedes, property owners turn to their insurance provider to assist with the claims process. In the stress of mounting repairs and property loss, owners want quick and just payments from insurance companies.

Unfortunately, many owners are met with resistance. Delayed claims processing, lowball offers and denied insurance claims are the common chorus played on repeat by the insurance companies.

If an insurance company has unfairly delayed or denied a claim against natural disaster damages, owners may seek to file a first party insurance claim.

Types of Natural Disasters

The following are types of natural disasters that can cause serious damage to your home, business or commercial property:

• Flood and storm surge
• Hail damage
• Windstorm damage
• Tornado
• Hurricane or tropical storm
• Wildfire damage
• Lightning strike

Your Rights as an Insurance Holder

Texas law requires insurance companies to begin investigating filed claims in a timely manner. Timetables are set for the first 15, 30 and 45 days of the claim process.

• First 15 days: Insurance companies must acknowledge coverage claims, launch a claim investigation, and/or request further information related to the claim.
• First 30 days: Once the insurance company gathers all information, they have 30 days from the initial claim to notify you of their decision. Approval or denial of the claim must come in writing from your insurance company.
• First 45 days: If the insurance company cannot make a decision in the first thirty days, they are allowed by law to ask for an extension. An additional 45 days can be granted to continue the claim investigation.

After an extension, the insurance company must then provide a decision in writing. If your claim has been denied, it’s time to call Schechter, Shaffer and Harris at 877-385-7902. Our attorneys take natural disaster claim denials very seriously. Our job is to make insurance pay the rightful amount in a timely manner so you can repair your home, business or commercial property.