Navigating Homeowners Insurance and Disaster Claims after the Recent Storm in Greater Houston
Suffering from a devastating storm is already a traumatic experience for many Houston area homeowners. Added to this emotional turmoil is the stress of dealing with the aftermath: fallen trees, spoiled food, and the daunting task of processing insurance claims. The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) provides crucial advice and resources that can greatly assist homeowners during this challenging period.
Understanding Homeowners Insurance
When a storm wreaks havoc, homeowners insurance is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. The Texas Department of Insurance helps homeowners understand that a typical policy can cover a multitude of perils that include windstorm damage, hail, and even falling trees. Need help? Call TDI at 800-252-3439.
Dealing with Fallen Trees and Limbs
In the wake of the storm that recently swept the Greater Houston Area, many homes were left damaged due to fallen trees and limbs. The TDI advises homeowners to understand the coverage provided by their policy in such situations. Typically, if a tree falls on your property due to windstorm, homeowners insurance will cover the costs for repairs to your home and other structures like fences or sheds, including the removal of the fallen tree.
Spoiled Food Coverage
A less discussed but real consequence of a storm is the loss of refrigerated food due to power outages. Many homeowners insurance policies offer coverage for spoiled food, subject to a certain limit but often paying out as much as $500. This coverage, although often overlooked, can make a significant difference in the recovery process after a disaster.
Filing a Disaster Claim
The first step in making a disaster claim is to contact your insurance company immediately. The TDI advises homeowners to be prepared to provide a list of damaged or lost items. During this process, it's important that homeowners understand their rights. Insurance companies in Texas have a certain timeframe to acknowledge, investigate, and pay a claim. If homeowners are dissatisfied with the progress or resolution of their claim, they can file a complaint with the TDI.
More Questions
Take a look at this article containing many frequently asked questions that relate to homeowners insurance and disaster claims. The TDI is just a phone call away to help you navigate the process. Call the helpline at 800-252-3439.
The recent brutal storm in the Greater Houston Area was an unfortunate reminder of the havoc nature can wreak. However, equipped with a good homeowner’s insurance policy and the guidance provided by the Texas Department of Insurance, residents can navigate through these challenging times more effectively. As always, the TDI stands ready to aid homeowners in understanding their insurance coverage and in the process of disaster claims.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
