Hail can cause significant damage to vehicles, houses, and commercial properties. If you own a hail insurance policy, you can file a claim to seek compensation for the damages caused by hailstorms.
In this situation, a Houston hail damage lawyer from our team at Barcus Arenas, PLLC, can provide you with the guidance you need to seek fair payment for your losses. We have nearly two decades of experience that we can draw on to handle your property damage claims.
An insurance claims lawyer in Houston from our team can guide you through the hail damage insurance claims process, leveraging our expertise and experience to ensure you get the support you need to aid you in your recovery.
Why Hire a Hail Damage Attorney in Houston?
Hiring an attorney to help with residential or commercial hail insurance claims can improve your chances of getting fair payment for your losses when dealing with insurance adjusters.
The insurance company may require you to submit photos and other documents for assessment, but some issues may arise during your insurance claims. Delayed processing, valuation disputes, and policy limitations, among others, may complicate the procedure and prevent you from receiving fair compensation.
To uphold your rights, our team of lawyers is here to represent your best interests after an insurance claim denial. We can help you take appropriate legal action when dealing with a hail damage claim.
We Can Help After Hail Damage to a Commercial Property
Our legal team can support business and commercial property owners with valid claims denied by insurance companies. For example, we’re fully prepared to help individuals who own:
- Condo associations
- Restaurants
- Apartment complexes
- Car dealerships
- Strip malls
- Churches
Your hail damage claims lawyer in Houston can review the specifics of your situation and then provide personalized advice about the next steps you need to take during your initial consultation.
For a free legal consultation with a hail damage lawyer serving Houston, call 1-800-941-1041
Does Insurance Cover Hail Damage?
In most cases, yes. A standard commercial or homeowner’s policy should cover hail damage. However, in areas more susceptible to hail damage, insurance companies have made it more difficult by incorporating cosmetic exclusions for hail damage.
Given the growing prevalence of these exclusions, it’s essential to check your policy for cosmetic exclusions or limitations related to its hail coverage.
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Why Do Insurance Companies Deny Hail Damage Claims?
Insurance companies may use several unethical strategies to deny losses after a hailstorm. Some of these strategies involve:
Claiming the Storm Only Caused Cosmetic Damage
Simply put, companies that use cosmetic exclusions deny coverage for hail damage if the damage is merely aesthetic as opposed to functional. The line between what is cosmetic and what is functional can be uncertain and debated.
For example, what may seem like a minor dent may eventually result in structural damage. In addition, “cosmetic” damage can change the resale value of the property, requiring owners to pay for their repairs or sell the property at a loss.
Claiming You Filed Your Claim Late
Sometimes, insurance companies act in bad faith by claiming a property owner waited too long to report damage from a hailstorm. A hail damage insurance lawyer in Houston can ensure you understand all deadlines associated with your insurance claim and stand up for you if the insurance company claims you took too long to report the issue.
Claiming You Failed to Pay Premiums
In some cases, an insurance representative may falsely claim that you failed to pay for your premiums before a storm, resulting in a claim denial. Our hail damage lawyers can review all the documentation and paperwork you have regarding insurance payments to push back against unfair treatment.
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What to Do Before a Storm
Research shows that hail that is at least 1 inch in diameter will cause damage to most asphalt shingle roofs (the most common roofing material on homes in the U.S.). Hail 2 inches or greater will cause damage to most roofs, no matter the type.
You should stay aware of the weather reports for hailstorms in your area, which often tell you the approximate size of the hail. If you believe a storm may damage your property, you should take photos and videos of the property in an undamaged state.
This information could help with your hail claim.
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What Should You Do After a Storm?
Our team recommends that you document the hailstorm damage and submit the necessary paperwork and evidence to your insurance company. We can assist you in properly documenting your claim to maximize your chances of a successful outcome.
The process involves:
- Reporting the damage
- Providing evidence
- Obtaining repair estimates
The insurance company will assess the claim and provide compensation based on the policy terms.
It’s advisable to ask for hailstorm legal aid if you encounter challenges during the claims process, such as a denied claim, insufficient compensation, or if you believe the insurance company is acting in bad faith. We can help you understand your rights, navigate potential complexities, and ensure a smoother claims experience.
Should You Have Someone Fix the Hail Damage?
If you suspect your property may have suffered hail damage, you should reach out to a reputable roofing contractor or public adjuster to assess the extent of the damage. You can use the inspection to secure advice about the extent of the damage, allowing you to decide if you should move forward with a claim.
If they suspect you may have hail damage, you should then file a claim with your insurance company. Many contractors will provide this inspection for free to promote business in the future.
Watch Out for Shady Contractors
You should watch out for “storm-chasing” contractors that may come door to door, or post in local social media groups, hunting for business. It will be more reliable to solicit an estimate from a contractor you’ve researched or know, so you can feel comfortable with their business and findings.
Take Charge After Facing Hail Storm Damage in Houston
You can count on a Houston hail damage attorney from our team at Barcus Arenas, PLLC, to support you after the insurance company denies your claim for fair compensation. We have the experience and resources to assist with a denial and can carefully explain the next steps you need to take.
Reach out now to find out more about the services we can provide to property owners in your situation.
Call or text 1-800-941-1041 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
