If you have lived in Texas for any length of time, you understand that hailstorms are just part of life here. Unfortunately, these storms leave extensive damage in their wake, often to personal property. If your home, car, or belongings take a beating from hail, it is quite natural to wonder whether that damage will be covered by insurance in Texas.
The type of policy you have and its specific terms or exclusions determine whether damage will be covered. Hence, knowing what your insurance covers and excludes can save you from unexpected repair bills.
Comprehensive Coverage: Your Best Friend
In most cases, Texas hail damage is covered under a comprehensive insurance policy. This type of coverage can protect your investment and covers your liability for property damage caused by uncontrollable incidents, such as hailstorms, wind, or falling objects. If you have comprehensive insurance, your insurance company may cover most of your repairs.
Keep in Mind When Filing a Claim
When filing a claim, it is important to keep the following factors in mind.
Deductibles
Comprehensive coverage comes with a deductible, meaning you must pay a specific amount towards repairs before your insurance kicks in. The cost to repair minor hail damage may not exceed your deductible, meaning that the coverage will not kick in. However, that is often hard to know without a full evaluation.
Policy Exclusions
While most comprehensive insurance policies cover hail damage in Texas, it is crucial to read the entire policy to confirm. Some policies have exclusions or specific rules, such as requiring the reporting of damage within a certain timeframe.
Actual Cash Value vs. Replacement Cost
Insurance companies generally estimate payouts based on your property’s actual cash value, factoring in depreciation. In many cases, if the repairs are completed and properly documented, the depreciation can be recovered.
Report Timely
Referred to as a “Notice of Loss” provision, insurance policies require the reporting of hail damage promptly so the company can verify whether the damage was caused by a particular storm. Delays can complicate your claim or even result in a denial of coverage.
Steps to Take After Hail Damage
If hail has damaged your property, take the following steps to process a claim:
- Document everything by taking clear photos of all the damage, including paint damage, broken windows, and any other issues
- Examine your coverage and understand your deductible.
- It is often prudent to contact a reputable attorney like Kirk Law Firm, PLLC, to ensure you are filing your claim properly and to help you with the subsequent steps necessary to properly preserve your claim
Our team at Kirk Law Firm could help you notify your insurer as soon as possible and provide all necessary documentation, contact reputable repair services for quotes on fixing the damage, and check that your insurance carrier does not have designated businesses you must hire. In addition, we could communicate with your insurance company’s adjuster to ensure they accurately assess the damage
If Your Claim Gets Denied
Insurance companies may deny hail damage claims based on late reporting, policy exclusions, or questions over what caused the actual damage. If this happens, do not panic. You can seek legal help to fight for the coverage you deserve.
Find Out Whether Texas Hail Damage is Covered by Insurance by Contacting Kirk Law Firm
Hail damage can be an annoyance, but the right insurance coverage will make all the difference. It is important to know your policy’s terms, including deductibles and exclusions, to avoid surprises when filing a claim.
Kirk Law Firm has helped countless individuals resolve insurance disputes with their insurance companies. If you have hail damage, we could help you determine whether it is covered by insurance in Texas. Our attorneys are here to make sure you are treated fairly, so contact us today.
