Hailstorms happen every year in Texas, particularly during the spring and summer months. Hailstorms can also cause significant damage to properties.
Are hailstorms covered in your insurance policy?
It’s important to first educate yourself on what your policy covers. Hail is one of the most common types of damages to roofs in Texas so be sure to ask your agent to make sure hail is covered and make sure your insurance company doesn’t try to apply a special deductible for hail.
As a Texas property owner, your policy should cover hailstorms, however that is not always guaranteed. Be sure to ask for a copy of your policy and find the “Losses insured and Losses not insured” section in your table of contents. Read through the loss descriptions to understand what your policy covers.
How do hailstorms damage properties?
Hailstones can cause significant damage to properties, particularly to roofs, windows, and siding. The size and speed of the hailstones, as well as the angle and force with which they hit the property, can all impact the extent of the damage. Also, the age of your roof can determine how much hail it can withstand.
Roofs are particularly vulnerable to hail damage, as the impact of the hailstones can cause cracks, punctures, or bruises in the shingles or tiles. This can result in leaks, which can cause water damage to the interior of the property. Hail damage can also reduce the lifespan of a roof, as the damaged areas may be more prone to future leaks or deterioration.
What should you do if your property is damaged by a hailstorm?
If your property has been damaged by a hailstorm, it is important to act quickly to mitigate the damage and start the claims process.
Here are some steps you should take:
- Assess the damage: Inspect your property to assess the extent of the damage. Take photos or videos to document the damage.
- Contact your insurance company: Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the damage and start the claims process. Your insurance company will likely send an adjuster to assess the damage and determine the coverage.
- Mitigate the damage: Take steps to mitigate the damage to your property, such as covering broken windows with plastic or tarpaulins, and making temporary repairs to the roof to prevent further water damage.
- Get estimates for repairs: Get estimates from reputable contractors for the repairs needed to your property. Make sure to keep all receipts and documentation of the repairs.
Hailstorms can cause significant damage to properties in Texas, but with prompt action and careful documentation, you can start the recovery process and get your property back to its pre-storm condition.
What should you do if the insurance company denies your claim?
Insurance companies commonly use “wear and tear” as a reflex response to deny insurance claims.
They know you will most likely defer to their perceived expertise and just throw your hands up and take care of the repairs on your own.
Wear and tear is such a subjective phrase and insurance companies are constantly abusing this language in the policy to get out of paying for your roof. Find out how you can easily get paid for your roof even if there is wear and tear occurring. Here is a secret (every roof that is over a week old has wear and tear).
Don’t lose out on YOUR money!
Contact our legal experts to help fight for your claim money, even after your insurance company denies or underpays you!
Give us a call at 877-890-6372 or send us an email at info@stormlex.com
