The roof on your home is key to your family’s comfort and safety and to protecting what is likely one of your most significant investments, and storm damage can do a real number on roofs in Texas. It’s important to recognize, however, that the insurance company you pay to handle claims just like the one you’re preparing to file is in the business of generating huge profits and will do what it can to keep your payout low.
Fortunately, there are things you can do to help maximize your settlement if you have a storm damage roof claim, and the most important is working closely with a storm damage attorney from the outset.
Know the Kind of Damage that’s Generally Covered by Insurance
Most homeowners insurance policies in Texas cover roof damage that’s caused by severe weather and by accidental impact. Let’s take a closer look.
Damage Caused by Severe Weather
Homeowners Insurance typically covers roof damage that is caused by severe weather, which includes all kinds of storms. This means that if one of those outsized Texas storms leaves your roof damaged, you could have a solid claim that you shouldn’t wait to file with your insurance provider. Whether the culprit was high winds, hail, ice, or relentless rain, it can lead to leaks and structural damage, which means it’s time to file a claim.
Damage Caused by Accidental Impact
Your homeowners coverage should also cover damage that’s caused by accidental impact, which can be storm-related. For example, if a tree falls on your roof in the aftermath of a storm, your policy should address the damage. Other forms of accidental impact, such as if a wayward baseball cracks into your roof and damages it, are also covered by homeowners insurance.
It’s also a good idea to know what your policy isn’t likely to cover, which includes all the following:
- Cosmetic damage that only affects how your roof looks – rather than how well it functions
- Normal wear and tear, which is attributable to your roof simply getting older
Reach Out to a Knowledgeable Storm Damage Roof Lawyer Early On
As soon as you recognize that your roof was damaged in a storm, it’s your cue to consult with a focused storm damage lawyer who will help to ensure that your claim moves effectively and efficiently forward toward a settlement that reflects the compensation you deserve.
Your attorney will do what it takes to build your strongest claim, will engage in skillful negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf, and will fight tirelessly for your financial rights. Having solid legal representation backing you up from the outset can make a serious difference in how your claim is resolved.
Act Quickly
If you’ve weathered a serious storm but aren’t sure that your roof was damaged in the process, being proactive is advised. This involves having a professional roofing contractor accurately assess the situation and document any damage your roof suffered.
If it’s clear to you that your roof was damaged in the storm, you’ll still need to call in that roofing professional to assess the damage as soon as you possibly can, but you should take the additional step of documenting the damage you can see by taking pictures of it. The better the damage to your roof is documented, the stronger and more effective your claim will be.
Get a Professional Repair Estimate for Your Storm Damage Roof Claim
The professional contractor you call in to assess the storm damage to your roof can also provide you with a repair estimate. Having a detailed estimate from a roofing pro will help guide your claim in the right direction and will make it far more difficult for your insurance provider to challenge.
Keep Careful Records
Keeping detailed records of every interaction you have with everyone involved with your storm damage claim is well advised. This includes making notes about conversations that relate to the matter, keeping all documentation that is exchanged, and compiling every form of correspondence that you have with your contractors, the involved insurance company, and the adjusters sent to your home. The more thorough and organized you are in relation to your recordkeeping, the better protected your claim will be.
Make the Call to an Experienced Texas Storm Damage Lawyer Today
The diligent Texas storm damage attorneys at Moore Law Firm appreciate how damaging Texas storms can be, and we’re committed to unleashing the full force of our impressive experience in pursuit of a claim settlement that adequately addresses your losses and covers your needed repairs or replacement.
Our dedicated legal team encourages you to contact us online or call 956-400-0000 for more information about what we can do to help you today. Consultations are free and we can advise on your best legal options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Storm Damage Roof Claims (FAQ)
Q: What types of storm damage are typically covered by homeowners insurance in Texas for a storm damage roof claim?
A: Most homeowners insurance policies in Texas cover roof damage caused by severe weather such as high winds, hail, ice, and heavy rain. Accidental impact, like a tree falling on your roof during a storm, is also generally covered. However, cosmetic damage and normal wear and tear are usually not covered.
Q: Why is it important to contact a storm damage attorney early in the storm damage roof claim process?
A: Consulting a storm damage attorney early on can significantly impact the outcome of your claim. An attorney can help build a strong case, negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, and ensure you receive fair compensation for your roof repairs or replacement. They protect your financial rights and help navigate the complexities of the claims process.