Hail Storm Attorney on Texas Hail Storms
State Farm recently released a report on the number of insurance claims received for wind and hail damage throughout the country for 2012. When we think of stormy weather we usually think of the Mid-West. That region is known as “Tornado Alley” for a reason, but Texas topped the list with over 47,000 wind and hail insurance claims!
Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) recently voted to increase rates by 5% for areas along the Texas coast. It is important to note that this is not the first time they have voted to increase your insurance rates because dark clouds started looming.
The TWIA has made similar motions previous years in attempts to bring the overall insurance rate up to a more comfortable profit margin for insurers -aka, more money for insurance companies.
Concerns that insurers are pushing for insurance increases was supported by a recent investigation by a local Fox affiliate. The report found that insurance rates across the state were on the rise. Major insurers like State Farm increased rates by 20% in 2013 and Farmers Insurance increased rates by 15%. The rates continued to rise through 2014. Unfortunately, higher rates do not mean better coverage, that is why in some cases you do need to contact an experienced hail storm attorney that can help you recover.
What about insurance claims?
If your home has been damaged during a serve weather storm, you can increase your chances for a successful insurance claim with these hail storm attorney tips:
Record everything
Keep a list of all damages done to the property. If possible, take photos or even videos of the damage. Also, keep any damaged items in case an insurance adjuster needs to view them.
Repair as needed
Make repairs that are necessary for the safety dealing with the structure and the integrity of the home. If, for example, the windows are broken cover them up for safety. This will reduce the risk of further damage from wind and rain to the interior of the home.
Timeliness
There is currently a one year limit to the amount of time available to file a wind and hail damage claim. Legislatures are considering an extension, but it has yet to pass.
Make Sure Your Covered
The Texas Department of Insurance notes that the upcoming “warm and humid spring and summer months” in the state make for prime conditions for serious weather storms. As a result, residents may be filing claims for coverage under their insurance policies in the near future. If you are a homeowner who needs to file a claim, challenge a denial or an underpaid claim, contact an experienced storm damage attorney.
Jeff is Here 4 You!
If your insured property was damaged in a storm and are struggling with an insurance company, Jeff is here 4 you! Davis Law Firm is here 24/7 waiting to listen to your case. We offer free consultation with our team of legal representatives. Don’t wait another day, contact us today!