It’s June, and that means hurricane season is here again. It’s extremely important that your property is properly insured now before another storm heads our way. If you have an insurance policy in place, make an appointment with your agent to go over what is and what isn’t covered.
At the Omar Ochoa Law Firm, we know that dealing with insurance companies can be stressful, especially after a natural disaster has damaged your property. Here are some steps you can take to help you stay ahead of the storm.
Measure the Damages
It’s recommended to prepare yourself with your own estimate of damages following a storm. We can help. Call us before you call your insurance company so that we can put you in the best position possible to get maximum recovery for your home. Doing this will place you ahead of your insurer. Storm damages of any kind can be extremely pricey, with some possibly totaling thousands of dollars. After damages are evaluated comes the time to contact your insurer.
Make a Claim
It’s normal for some homeowners to assess damages themselves and take care of repairs, but making a claim in a timely manner should come first. Although insurers will be flooded with claims following a hurricane strike, stay patient and file yours as soon as possible. Remember, it’s important to keep all spending receipts you’ve made during the repair process.
Stay Patient and Stand Your Ground
It’s important to be firm with your claim regarding damages. Call us if your home has been damaged and we can speak with you about what your policy covers. As consumers, we’d like to believe that our insurers will come through during our time of need, but that may not always be the case. Insurers are always looking to pay out the least amount possible for damages, so don’t be surprised if your claim results in a payout that’s less than what you were hoping for. If your insurance company is giving you the runaround and isn’t following through with their responsibilities, then we can help.
Level the Playing Field
Hiring an attorney who’s experienced in insurance disputes can help level the playing field on your behalf. When dealing with damages to your home from a hurricane, the last thing you should be worrying about is having to deal with your insurer. Let us take care of that burden for you. Contact our insurance litigation attorney in McAllen to learn more.