Navigating Post-Hurricane Recovery: Texas Department of Insurance Shares Essential Steps for Utilizing Insurance and Avoiding Scams
In the wake of Hurricane Beryl, the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) is encouraging those affected by the disaster to utilize their insurance policies as they begin on the path to recovery.
TDI's Insurance Commissioner, Cassie Brown, underscored the urgency of kick-starting the claim process, stating, “You need to get your claim started as soon as possible. We can help you if you run into an issue contacting your insurance company or just don’t understand what you’re hearing from them.” The TDI Help Line at 800-252-3439 is available to assist with any questions or concerns.
When filing an insurance claim, it is recommended to reach out to your insurance company or agent promptly. Document details of your interactions, including the extent of damages, and be sure to list and take pictures of the damaged property. It's important to hold onto these items until after discussing with your insurance entity.
Mitigating further damage is advised, such as shielding broken windows and holes to ward off rain, vandalism, or theft. If your home is unfit for living due to the damage or power outages, your insurance may cover some of these additional living expenses.
Proof of deductible payment for your claim should be retained, as state law prohibits contractors or roofers offering to waive a deductible or promising a rebate of the amount.
In addition to filing your insurance claim, it is also imperative to inform the Texas Division of Emergency Management about the damage to assist in procuring as many recovery funds as possible.
Unfortunately, not all home and renters' policies cover flood damage. It is important to review your policy or confer with your agent for clarity. For those with flood insurance, federal flood policies necessitate filing a claim and documenting losses within 60 days. Comprehensive coverage on personal auto policies may cover flood damage.
To protect from contractor scams in this vulnerable period, TDI recommends obtaining written estimates on company letterhead, comparing multiple bids, verifying references, not paying in full upfront, and understanding all contracts before signing.
The Texas Department of Insurance is here to help you navigate these critical steps on the path to recovery. For more information, visit tdi.texas.gov.
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.
