Adding insult to injury, many Texans now find themselves navigating the insurance claims labyrinth as a result of damage sustained to their homes during the recent “polar vortex.” What are some basics tips for those who, after the temperatures finally came back up and lights came back on, are still picking up the pieces and find themselves asking, “What do I do now?”
- Document, Document, and Document Again – Take photos and video of ALL damage. Keep receipts and copies of any correspondence with your insurance company.
- Notify Your Insurance – Timely inform your insurance company that your home/property has been damaged. Be as comprehensive as possible when describing damages, being mindful to keep an eye out for evidence of damages from broken pipes not readily apparent on a first pass through your home. Act quickly to avoid missing any potential claim deadline(s).
- Stop Additional Damage – Take pictures and video of property damage as you find it, but do what you reasonably can to stop additional damage from occurring in the short term. Document everything before and after.
- Beware of Contractors – Watch out for fly by night contractors that prey on storm victims. Be patient and find reliable contractors with a proven record who will do good work. It is worth the wait to avoid contractor fraud and substandard work that is costly to replace.
While certainly not comprehensive, these basic tips may help as you navigate life after the ice storm.
If you suffered damage to your home following the recent extreme cold in Texas and your insurance is unfairly denying or undervaluing your claim, call the Houston law firm Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner at 713-396-3964 or toll free at 1-800-594-4884 for a consultation.