An In-Depth Guide to Navigate the Tricky Insurance Claims Process

1/19/2021 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: Inform yourself and stay resilient with this compilation of professional insider advice for navigating insurance claims for storm damage. SERVPRO offers guidance on recovering from a natural disaster to reconstruct residential assets.

For over two decades, storm after storm has crashed into the Austin/Lakeway area, disrupting everyday life and damaging homes. To help adjust to these storms, the professionals at SERVPRO have devised a strategy to resolve residential storm damage in Bee Cave, Texas and surrounding areas.

A Homeowner’s Guide to Storm Damage Insurance Claims

Know what types of damage insurance companies cover

Homeowners do not typically plan for a catastrophic storm to lay waste to their property. They might not carry the right policies, whether knowingly or not. 

The types of damage most insurance companies will cover:

• Hail storms
• Tornadoes
• Hurricanes
• Winter storms
• Lightning strikes
• Frozen water damage
• Excessive snow pile-up
• Fallen trees
• Power outages

Lastly, the homeowner must not have caused the damage due to negligence. Be sure to pay attention to any hazards to minimize the risk of losing coverage.

If any amount of loss or damage occurs from a natural event, an advisable first step is to check with the insurance company. Some may define storm damage differently than others, but the underlying cause for damage must originate from an uncontrollable natural event.

Note that many insurance companies do not include earthquakes or floods under the storm damage umbrella. Separate policies exist to cover earthquake or flood damage.

Take advantage of loss of use or similar programs

Damage of any kind can cause headaches in the aftermath. In the worst-case scenario, resources exist to assist if storm damage has rendered a residence unsafe. 

Some insurance companies can provide assistance for unexpected living expenses. Such programs will only come into play given that storm damage has barred a homeowner access to essential needs. This situation is called loss of use.

If a case qualifies for loss of use assistance, funds provided can assist with costs like hotel lodging, meals, laundry, and other expenses outlined in the insurance policy. Be sure to verify the types of expenses allowed under loss of use so you don’t try to bill the wrong items to the insurance provider.

Find a reputable company for storm damage restoration

After filing an insurance claim, the next step involves finding and hiring someone to repair the water damage. You never want to take on this task yourself. Not only is it complicated, but it can be unsafe. 

Water removal might seem simple, but it can pose hidden dangers. First, you can come into contact with live electrical wires during flood cleanup. Next, standing water can allow mold to form. If this happens, you will need a professional mold removal team to ensure no trace of the bacteria remains. 

Work with your insurance representative to find a company compatible with the current insurance provider. You can also ask friends and family who have needed building restoration in the past.

Find a team with experience dealing with storm damage commonly encountered in Texas. Storm damage restoration can encompass many different situations. If your home has standing water, you might need to work with mold remediation companies. If you have leaks in the ceiling, you will want to contact water restoration companies. 

Finally, sort companies by their quality of work. Word of mouth will provide the most honest evaluation of a company. Check out customer reviews to examine the types of experiences other customers had with a particular company.

About SERVPRO

SERVPRO has helped Texas homeowners and businesses for decades. In addition to storm damage repair, the team offers commercial cleaning, fire damage restoration, and air duct cleaning throughout the 78738 area. When you need help in Bee Cave, TX, call SERVPRO of Lakeway / Westlake at (512) 261-4790