Insurance companies are expecting record numbers of Hurricane Beryl insurance claims. State Farm says they’ve already processed more than 16,000 claims in the week since the storm slammed Houston on July 8, 2024. More than three million Houston area residents lost power.
As Houstonians struggle to rebuild their lives, Hurricane Beryl insurance claims will play an important role. As a policyholder, it’s important to make a Hurricane Beryl insurance claim for your home, business, motor vehicle, personal property, and other losses.
Making a Hurricane Beryl Insurance Claim
Contact your insurance company to report the loss to make a Hurricane Beryl insurance claim. You should report damage as soon as possible, even if you don’t know the exact amount of the claim.
Understanding Your Hurricane Insurance Policy
For people who live along the Texas coast, hurricane insurance is a separate windstorm policy. It probably isn’t labeled hurricane insurance. Your losses likely fall under windstorm insurance. It may also fall under named storm, flood, or other perils insurance.
If you don’t live near the coast, your homeowners’ policy may only cover wind and hail. However, for people in a high-risk area, like Houston, windstorm coverage is a separate insurance policy. It’s not required by Texas law, but most mortgage companies need it to have a mortgage. Most people have it in some form, but exact coverage may vary.
You may have hurricane insurance through a private carrier. You may also have insurance through the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA). The TWIA was created to help homeowners get windstorm coverage that may not be offered through a private carrier.
Your hurricane insurance policy may pay if:
- You have losses because of Hurricane Beryl.
- The losses are covered under your insurance policy.
- Damages exceed your deductible.
To receive compensation, you must bring a claim. You may negotiate and pursue legal action with the help of an attorney.
Assessing the Damage After Hurricane Beryl
Assessing the damage should include an inspection of the following:
- Roof
- Foundation
- Walls
- Utilities
- Windows and doors
- Fixtures
- Furniture
- Appliances
- Sheds, outbuildings
As you assess Hurricane Beryl damage, remember that a storm-damaged building can be dangerous. Heavy pieces may break away, falling from above. The flooring may be uneven, causing subsidence or making someone fall.
Look at the exterior and interior. Cracks may indicate a serious problem. Be wary of power lines that may be electrified.
Branches and debris may make roof damage harder to see. If you have an attic, you can access it to look for roof leaks.
In the home’s interior, look at load-bearing walls, flooring, and the foundation. Check for signs of water damage and compromised structural integrity. Remember that strange smells and noises can be signs of a problem.
Filing an Insurance Claim for Hurricane Beryl
Start your Hurricane Beryl insurance claim as soon as possible. You can probably start your claim through the insurance company’s app or website. It will take time to document losses but tell the insurance company that you have damage. You may need to take steps to prevent further damage or make the home livable during repairs.
Common Challenges in Hurricane Insurance Claims
- Identifying the type of insurance coverage that may apply. For example, auto insurance comprehensive may cover flood damage to your vehicle. The type of coverage for a particular loss isn’t always obvious.
- Reviewing your policy limits, deductibles and coverage, to know what’s covered.
- Verifying your losses through photos, videos, lists, estimates and receipts.
- Proving that damage is the result of the storm, rather than from wear and tear.
- Responding if the insurance company doesn’t fairly value your claim.
- Defending against exclusions, delays or other reasons the insurance company doesn’t pay.
It can be frustrating to hear that the insurance company denied your claim – or they’re paying far less than it’s worth. Haun Mena is here to help. We represent people and businesses in Hurricane Beryl insurance claims. We negotiate and litigate for our clients. Contact us to see how we can help you.
As you rebuild from Hurricane Beryl, be sure to avoid common scams.
Don’t! – Sign a blank contract to be filled in later.
Don’t! – Pay everything up front to a contractor.
Don’t! – Start repairs without getting multiple bids.
Don’t! – Hire a contractor without checking references. If their references are from out of the area, be skeptical.
Don’t! – Hire someone who solicits door to door.
Don’t! – Trust anyone who says they’re with the insurance company.
Don’t! – Work with a roofer who says they will waive your deductible. It’s illegal in Texas.
Documenting Your Losses Effectively
To document your losses for a Hurricane Beryl insurance claim, take photographs and video. Make sure that your photographs are clear and detailed, including in small spaces and behind doors. Make a list of damaged items and the nature of the damage.
You will likely need estimates and evaluations. These professionals may notice important details that are easy to miss.
Working with Insurance Adjusters
Remember that the insurance company adjuster is not on your side. Don’t accept their statements as facts. Take notes of conversations. An attorney can represent your interests in negotiations.
Dealing with Claim Denials and Underpayments
If your Hurricane Beryl insurance claim is denied or underpaid, there are things that you can do. Our lawyers can represent you and determine the next steps. We’ll submit your appeal and represent you. If necessary, we can help you litigate your claim with representation from our experienced attorneys.
The Role of Public Adjusters in Hurricane Claims
In Texas, you have the option to hire a public insurance adjuster for your claim. There is a cost – up to 10% of the total settlement. The fee is in addition to the deductible you’ll have to pay. A public adjuster is not an attorney, and they can’t give legal advice. A public insurance adjuster may be right for you, especially if your claim is significant. Contact us for a free strategy session to talk about your options.
Understanding Additional Living Expenses (ALE) Coverage
One type of insurance coverage that may benefit you after Hurricane Beryl damage is Additional Living Expenses (ALE) coverage.
Hurricane Beryl may have displaced you from your home. Living away from home can be more expensive. For example, a hotel may be more than your mortgage or rent. It can be difficult to cook, so you may eat out more often. Expenses can add up.
ALE coverage may apply if you:
- Elected to carry ALE coverage.
- Have been displaced from your home.
- Have home damage covered by hurricane insurance.
- Incur expenses beyond normal living expenses.
Additional Living Expense coverage can pay for:
- Housing
- Utilities
- Food
- Transportation
- Laundry
ALE coverage isn’t automatic in Texas. You may or may not have it.
To receive payment, you’ll present receipts as compared to your usual living expenses.
Legal Assistance for Hurricane Insurance Claims
Haun Mena offers legal assistance for hurricane insurance claims. Ryan Haun handles appeals and negotiations. See how legal assistance from Haun Mena can make a difference.
Contact An Experienced Hurricane Damage Claims Lawyer
Has Hurricane Beryl impacted you?
We’re currently taking Hurricane Beryl claims. We are experienced hurricane damage claims lawyers. You deserve to have your policy honored. Call Haun Mena now.
