Hurricane Damage Insurance Claim Denial

Texans are all too familiar with hurricane and tropical storm damage. Hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th; a six-month span of weather watching for Texas coastal residents.

Homeowners and business owners have witnessed the dangers of tropical systems: Hurricanes Rita, Dolly and Ike all slammed the Texas coast in the past decade. These storms packed high winds, heavy rain and coastal storm surge.

After the storms move along and sunny days return, the work is just beginning for home and business owners with damaged property. Insurance companies are busy, as well, processing and investigating damage claims.

Repairs and rebuilds are difficult enough, but hurricane damage claim denials can further impeded restoration. What can you do if your property is damaged and your insurance company is refusing to help?

Hurricane Damage

Damage from hurricane and tropical storms can include:

• Storm surge and wave damage
• Wind and windborne debris damage
• Rain and flood damage
• Hail
• Tornado
• Lightening

Document Your Loss

As soon as you can safely access your property, take clear and organized documentation of the damage. This will be valuable for providing insurance companies and our attorneys with information in claim investigations.

• Photograph damage to the exterior- This includes windows, roofing, siding, gutters and exterior heating and air conditioning units.
• Document damage to foundations – Any changes to soil, like erosion, around the foundation should be photographed.
• If your pool and exterior equipment was affected, photograph all items including pool pumps, patio furniture and landscape lighting.
• Take detailed photographs and notes of any interior damage – If rooms have been flooded or roof leaks caused water damage, documents each location and the items that were destroyed.

Smartphones are often capable of taking high-quality photos and videos. If you videotaped the storm while it occurred and have video evidence of storm damage on your property, keep the video. If other members of your family or friends have video of live storm damage, ask for access to the videos. This is valuable evidence of storm damage.

If your claim process is moving too slowly or insurance claim has been denied, contact Schechter, Shaffer & Harris today. We can help you fight a hurricane damage insurance claim denial and get the compensation you’re entitled to repair your home or business. Call 877-385-7902.