Storm Flooding and Property Damage: Get What You Are Due
Severe storms can cause significant property damage. When storms are strong, flooding can also be an issue. Water damage is especially costly to repair and can leave all or part of a house inhabitable while repairs are made.
When storm flooding and property damage occur, many homeowners rely on their homeowner’s insurance to provide compensation for losses. Unfortunately, insurance companies often deny claims, or fail to adequately compensate property owners for the full extent of their damages. The wind and storm damage lawyers at Reed & Terry, L.L.P. can assist homeowners in Sugar Land, TX, Katy, TX, Richmond, TX, and surrounding areas in getting the full compensation they are due after storm flooding damages their property.
Is Storm Flooding Covered by Homeowner’s Insurance?
Every homeowner’s insurance policy is unique, and many property owner’s are unsure of exactly what type of damage is covered by their policy. In general, homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flood damage caused by rising waters, unless the homeowner has a separate flood policy. However, storm flood damage is usually viewed differently by insurance policies.
If storms are severe, wind can create openings in the roof, windows, walls, or other areas that allow water to get into the house, causing internal flooding. Storm flooding resulting in property damage is usually covered by a homeowner’s insurance policy provided:
- The water damage was caused by rain, hail, or wind-driven debris leaking through an opening created in the house
- The damage was not caused by conditions defined by the homeowner’s policy as a “flood” or by other excluded perils
What Are My Options If My Claim Is Denied or I Am Undercompensated?
Even if storm flooding and property damage should rightfully be covered by a homeowner’s insurance policy, insurance companies often deny claims or offer compensation that fails to adequately account for the full extent of property damage.
If an insurance claim is denied or the claimant is undercompensated, there is an appeals process. Unfortunately, filing an appeal can be complicated, and it is highly unusual for insurance companies to change a decision that has been made, unless they face more serious pressure. Instead of filing an appeal, insurance claimants may want to consider legal action.
Should I Hire a Lawyer?
Hiring a lawyer is often the best choice when an insurance claim has been denied or underpaid. The wind and storm damage lawyers at Reed & Terry, L.L.P. have a thorough understanding of how the insurance claims process works. They are prepared to build a case and advocate for their clients to get them the full amount of compensation they are due for property damage caused by storm flooding. Insurance companies are far more likely to respond to legal action than a typical appeals process, and when necessary, our lawyers are prepared to fight for their clients in court.
Schedule a Free Case Review
At Reed & Terry, L.L.P., we offer free case reviews, so if you are unsure if you have a case regarding an unpaid insurance claim, you have nothing to lose by reaching out to our knowledgeable team of lawyers. Send us a message online at your earliest convenience or call (281) 201-0988 to get the process started.
