Hurricane season in Texas runs from June 1st through November 30st. We have had a break from storms for the past few years, and may be a bit rusty on what to do if a massive storm comes through. So, here are a few tips to jog your memory:

  • Secure family, important documents and possessions, then contact family members outside of the disaster area to let them know your current situation.
  • Secure your property and protect against further damage. Insurance companies, unfortunately, are able to deny loss claims if future damages are deemed preventable, so take immediate action to remedy any condition on your property which could lead to further damage. Discuss with your insurance adjuster whether the policy will pay for temporary repairs.
  • Seek alternative housing for occupants if your home is unsafe.
  • Your initial impulse after a disaster damages your insured property is to clean up and throw away the damaged items. Resist the impulse and take sufficient time to document your personal and surrounding losses by taking photos, not video. Inventory and make a list of everything. Get a three ring binder to keep an organized record of all of your calls, letters and emails from the insurance company. Include other claim-related documents.
  • File your insurance claim right away. Ask where you can send written notice of the claim, and then send notice of the claim in writing – either by mail, fax, or email. A simple written description of the incident and the possible damage will suffice. If the insurance company tells you that written notice is not necessary, do it anyway. You’ll also want to be sure to write down your claim number.
  • If appropriate, ask for an advance. Many insurance companies will routinely make an immediate payment of $1,500.00 to $5,000.00 when the policyholder has had significant property damage. An advance payment can provide you with much-needed emergency cash. Be sure to keep all receipts for which you use this money.
  • Whenever possible, communicate with the insurance company in writing. If you have a telephone or in-person conversation with the insurance adjuster, confirm it in writing afterwards. Write or email the insurance company to get a status on your claim. This prevents misunderstandings. In the confusion that follows a major catastrophe, things sometimes fall through the cracks, so it is good to have things in writing.
  • Make thorough notes regarding the progress of your claim. Write down the date of each time you call your insurance company, the name of the person who took your call, and what was said on the call. Also note the date each time an adjuster comes to your property or contacts you – get the name of the adjuster, and write down exactly what was said or agreed.
  • Provide the insurance company with the documentation they request. Insurance policies require the policyholder to cooperate with the investigation of the claim. Beware, if a policyholder fails to produce the requested documents, the insurance company may be able to refuse to pay the insurance claim on that basis. The insurance company may require submission of a “proof of loss,” which is a sworn statement setting out the amount of the loss. Merlin Law Group recommends that you obtain legal advice before submitting a proof of loss.
  • Keep track of your living expenses. Most homeowner policies reimburse the policyholder for reasonable expenses of establishing and maintaining a second household while the insured residence is being repaired. If your home was completely destroyed, it could take many months to rebuild it. If the policy does pay “additional living expenses,” then you are entitled to reimbursement for the cost of renting a home similar to your own. Your policy may also reimburse you for the cost of other expenses such as hotels, restaurant meals, laundry, and mileage traveling to and from your temporary home. Also, be sure to save all of your receipts, make a copy and give to the insurance company for reimbursement.
  • Consider hiring a public adjuster. You may be overwhelmed with post-disaster duties or, you may not be able to reach an acceptable settlement of your claim. If so, consider hiring a "public adjuster:" an independent, licensed adjuster whom you pay to negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. You’ll typically pay the adjustor between 9-15% of what you recover from the insurance company, but that can be well worth it if the adjustor succeeds in significantly increasing the settlement. To find a licensed public adjuster in Texas, begin with www.mytapia.org.
  • Keep paying insurance premiums. Stopping your payments could be a big mistake. Also, contact your mortgage company. Unless you are told otherwise, you will still be required to make mortgage payments, even if your home is destroyed.
  • Obtain legal advice if the insurance company asks you to submit to an Examination Under Oath (EUO). Most policies allow the insurance company to require the policyholder to be examined under oath. That means that you will be giving testimony as if you are in court, and the insurance company will typically send a lawyer to question you. Insurance companies generally do not ask for an examination under oath unless there is a serious question about whether the insurance claim should be paid because of fraud or other issues.
  • Insist on frequent updates from your insurance company regarding the status of your claim. The squeaky wheel gets the grease. In turn, keep the insurance company updated with your contact information.
  • If your insurance company unfairly denies or underpays your claim, consult an experienced insurance attorney.