October 28, 2024
Understanding Hail Damage Insurance: What to Expect in Payouts
Insurance coverage is designed to protect you if your home, vehicle, or business is damaged in some way. The state of Texas sees its fair share of inclement weather. Although many vehicle, home, and business owners have invested in insurance, they are shocked to find the insurance company pushes back when they file a claim.
Fortunately, with the support of a reputable property damage lawyer from Callender Bowlin, you can protect your investment and hold the insurance company accountable to their obligations. If your car, vehicle, or business suffers severe hail damage, it is crucial to understand how your insurance coverage works and what the insurance company is required to compensate you for based on the terms of your policy. Here is more about what you can expect when filing a hail damage insurance claim.
How Hail Damage Insurance Works
Generally, homeowners and renters will purchase insurance coverage to protect them in the event of a hail storm. Some policies have restrictions or higher deductibles, particularly in coastal areas that may have hail storms more frequently. Those purchasing the most comprehensive insurance packages may decide to include separate windstorm policies purchased from companies like the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA).
Then, when your home or other covered property is damaged by hail, you file a claim against your hail damage or windstorm insurance policy to recoup a portion of your damages. You will typically need to pay your deductible before the insurance company’s financial liability activates.
Factors That Affect Your Payout
Some of the key factors that could impact your hail damage insurance payout include:
- Amount of property damages
- Actual cash value of the damaged property
- Cost to hire a public adjuster
- The amount of your deductible
- The extent of your insurance coverage
- The size of the hail
- Roofing material costs
Steps in the Hail Damage Claims Process
When your property suffers serious damage due to a hail storm, filing a claim with the insurance company should not be a hassle. Before you do, contact your hail damage lawyer to ensure you have legal representation.
- Immediately after the storm, take photos of the hail, particularly in relation to an object of verifiable size if possible, the damage to your property, and video of surrounding property damage.
- Next, review your insurance policy with your legal advocate to ensure you understand what types of damages your policy covers, how much the insurance company will be expected to pay out, and your deductible.
- Consider checking weather-tracking systems such as HailTrace or the National Weather Service (NWS) to use as evidence that a storm took place to bolster your evidence.
- Contact licensed contractors and public adjusters to get repair estimates and values, respectively.
- Notify the insurance company and initiate the claims process by reporting the hail damage to your property.
- Provide the insurance adjuster with your repair estimates and valuations from licensed contractors or public adjusters.
- The insurance adjuster will schedule an appointment to assess your property damages.
- Once the insurance company has finished investigating the claim, they will make a settlement offer or determination.
The insurance company can pay your settlement in multiple ways. They may pay your licensed contractor directly, make multiple payments over the progression of your repairs, or even provide you with an advance settlement. If the insurance company denies your claim or refuses to make a settlement offer, we may need to consider whether they are handling your claim in bad faith.
Hail Damage Insurance Claim FAQ
How do I choose a repair shop?
Typically, you have the right to choose any company you choose to repair your hail damage. However, it is always in your best interest to get multiple estimates and do your research before settling on an independent contractor or repair company. Try to find a company that offers you a lifetime warranty.
How do I negotiate with an insurance adjuster?
You do not have to negotiate with the insurance adjuster if you are working with a first-person insurance claim attorney. Your lawyer can handle the negotiation process on your behalf. Anytime the insurance company’s settlement offer is insufficient, you have the right to renegotiate settlement terms.
How long do I have to file a claim?
It depends on the insurance company. Insurance companies have the authority to determine their own statute of limitations and claim filing deadlines. Many require claims to be filed within one year of the hailstorm. If you miss this deadline, you could be barred from covering a settlement.
How much hail is required to file a claim?
The size of the hail often determines the severity of the property damages and how much compensation will be paid out. In many cases, hail reaching or exceeding one inch in diameter has the potential to cause noticeable property damage.
How much will my insurance pay?
It depends on the extent of your losses. Expect to pay your deductible before the insurance company steps in and covers any remaining damages. Keep in mind that the insurance company is only expected to compensate claimants for covered losses up to the policy limits described in the policy terms, so you may have remaining damages the insurance company is not expected to compensate you for.
Get Help From a Reputable Hail Damage Insurance Lawyer Today
Although the insurance company may attempt to avoid liability for your damages, when you have a comprehensive hail damage insurance policy, we are not afraid to challenge the insurer if they handle your claim and bad faith. You have the right to specific types of covered losses as outlined in your policy.
If the insurance company attempts to deny you the compensation you are entitled to or trick you into settling for less than you deserve, you can rely on your top-rated bad-faith insurance lawyer from Callender Bowlin to protect your rights. When you are ready to file your claim with the insurance company or have received a claim denial, do not hesitate to contact our law office to request a 100% free consultation. Reach us by phone or through our quick contact form to get started on your case as soon as today.
