People all across the country, and here in Texas specifically, see the segments every night on the evening news. Severe weather causes damage all over this time of year. Tornadoes, heavy rain, strong winds and hail create dangerous conditions—and storm damage to people’s property.
Just last month, North Texas communities were battered by tornadoes. Today, that likely means many homeowners, business owners and car owners are awaiting word from their various insurance providers. The frustrating and likely reality for some of those people is they will be met with disappointment.
Don’t Let Your Insurance Provider Fool or Intimidate You
Purchasing insurance provides a sense of confidence. We tend to have faith that the products we pay for will provide us with the service and protection we need. Too many consumers are met with surprise and then the sense of defeat when an insurance claim is initially denied.
A denial or otherwise inadequate offer from your insurance provider is not the end of the conversation regarding your storm coverage. Your rights in the wake of a damaging storm are worth protecting. But maybe you are hesitant to defend those rights because you are tired, worried you will lose or worried you misunderstood the terms of your policy.
What Does Insurance Offer and Maybe Not Offer in Severe Weather Cases?
While the point of storm damage insurance is to protect yourself financially following extreme weather like heavy storms, hail, tornadoes, fire, etc., even insurance has its limits. Below are some concise explanations about insurance provisions that might apply to your case:
- Storm damage to your home should be covered. The amount of coverage will depend on your specific policy details. How much coverage does your policy, which you should have read, provide? If your insurer fights back against an amount for which you should be covered, talk to an attorney about a possible bad faith insurance case.
- Flood damage is not going to be covered by your general homeowners’ insurance. You need to have a separate flood insurance policy in order to get coverage for potential flood damage. If your insurance provider is denying coverage for flood damage to your property, it might be because it is not part of the plan. If you do not think that is the case—if you have insurance for flooding—let a lawyer help you.
- Living expenses you spend while unable to use your home are covered by homeowners’ insurance, up to a point. Living reasonably is the key to receiving coverage for living expenses, not by choosing the fanciest hotels and restaurants.
Don’t Waste Time and Worry Wondering. Get Legal Direction
You can do all the Google research and late-night worrying about your insurance woes that you want, but you will still be left with questions, confusion and financial stress. The most efficient and helpful way to combat what is very likely a bad faith insurance case is to turn to a law firm experienced in these matters.
It is unsettling enough to see one’s property—a home in particular—damaged, sometimes beyond recognition. Homeowners will often need to work through the emotion and shock of that loss. If you are an overwhelmed homeowner looking for some security again, contact a lawyer experienced in taking on insurance companies and protecting consumers like you.
