Texas Roof Damage Attorney

Do I Need Special Roof Damage Insurance in Texas?

You don't typically need special roof damage insurance in Texas, as most standard homeowners insurance policies make provisions for roof damage. However, there are several important factors to consider that may influence the extent of your protection:

Standard Homeowners Insurance

Most homeowners insurance policies in Texas cover roof damage caused by specific perils like windstorms, hail, and fallen trees. This coverage usually includes the cost of repairing or replacing a damaged roof.

Deductibles

Homeowners insurance policies often have deductibles for wind and hail damage. You'll need to pay this deductible before your insurance company will cover the rest of the cost.

Age and Condition

Your insurer will consider the age and condition of your roof when determining the extent of your policy coverage. If your roof is old or has pre-existing damage, they may offer less or deny your claim outright.

Hail and Wind Coverage

Due to the frequency of hailstorms and high winds in Texas, some insurance companies might offer special endorsements or riders for additional hail and wind coverage. You can opt to add this extra protection to your policy for more peace of mind.

While special roof damage insurance isn’t a necessity, it's crucial to understand your existing homeowners insurance policy's coverage and any additional endorsements you may need.

What Types of Roof Damage Does Insurance Cover?

Homeowners insurance can cover many different types of roof damage in Texas and other states. That said, the specifics can vary depending on your policy and the cause of the damage. Here are some of the types of roof damage that insurance may cover:

Hail Damage

Hailstorms are a common occurrence in Texas, and they can cause significant damage to roofing materials. Most homeowners insurance policies cover hail damage, but there may be a deductible specific to hail-related claims.

Wind Damage

High winds, such as those from severe storms and hurricanes, can lift shingles, cause debris impacts, or even tear whole sections off the roof. Most homeowners insurance policies cover wind damage.

Fallen Trees or Branches

If a tree falls on your roof due to a covered peril (like a windstorm), the cost of removing it and repairing the damage will likely be covered.

Fire Damage

Homeowners insurance generally covers roof damage caused by fires, whether from wildfires or internal house fires. This includes repairs to or replacement of the damaged roof.

Vandalism and Malicious Mischief

If your roof is intentionally damaged through acts of vandalism or malicious mischief, your homeowners insurance should pay the resulting costs.

Weight of Ice and Snow

In some regions of Texas where snow and ice are seasonal hazards, damage caused by the weight of these elements may be covered under specific policies.

Lightning Strikes

Lightning can ignite fires or cause structural damage to a roof. Fortunately, most homeowners policies include lightning damage as a covered peril.

Accidental Damage

Accidents happen. If someone unintentionally damages your roof while working on it, as might happen when a contractor makes repairs, their liability insurance will likely cover the cost of repairs.

Why a Roof Damage Claim Might Be Denied

It’s possible that your roof damage claim could be denied for various reasons, including the following:

• Lack of Coverage: Make sure your policy covers the specific damage you’re claiming.
• Wear and Tear: Normal wear and tear may not be reimbursable.
• Neglect or Poor Maintenance: Regular upkeep is crucial to avoid denial.
• Excluded Perils: Some perils may not be covered unless you have additional insurance.
• Policy Limitations: Review the payout limits and conditions regarding various coverage types.
• Deductible Threshold: You must meet your deductible before your policy will pay for a covered claim.
• Misrepresentation: Make it a point to provide accurate information to avoid denial.
• Late Reporting: Report the damage immediately after it occurs to get the ball rolling on your claim.
• Excessive Claims: Making too many claims in a given period may disqualify you from seeking compensation.
• Insufficient Evidence: Document the damage thoroughly to provide strong supporting evidence.

The age of your roof and the decision to use unlicensed contractors for cheap labor may also play a role in your claim being denied.

Examples of Bad Faith Practices in Roof Damage Claims

Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for stingy insurance companies to engage in bad faith practices that violate the principles of fairness in order to avoid paying out on valid claims. Here are a few of the tactics they may use:

1. Unreasonable Delays: Insurers are expected to process claims quickly; when they don’t, the existing damage can become worse.
2. Incomplete Investigations: Biased or incomplete investigations may favor the insurance company.
3. Low Settlements: Knowingly offering inadequate settlements is an all-too-frequent strategy.
4. Misrepresentation: Particularly unscrupulous insurers may offer false or misleading information during the claims process.
5. Wrongful Denials: It’s unacceptable for any insurer to deny a valid claim without reason.
6. Partial Payments: Offering only actual cash value instead of the full replacement cost is unjust and shouldn’t be tolerated.
7. Retaliation: In some cases, the insurance company may attempt to penalize a  policyholder after they make a legitimate claim.
8. Policy Misinterpretation: Intentionally misinterpreting complex policies to avoid payment is a form of misrepresentation that shows the insurer isn’t playing fair.
9. Communication Failures: Lack of communication during the claims process can be problematic for the homeowner.
10. Excessive Documentation Requests: The insurer may burden the policyholder with unnecessary paperwork to forestall their claim.
11. Unreasonable Policy Cancellation: If your insurer cancels your policy retroactively without proof, you can hold them accountable.
12. Threats or Intimidation: Using threatening or aggressive tactics to discourage claims is the epitome of bad faith.

If you suspect your insurer has stalled or denied your claim in bad faith, talk to an insurance claim attorney at Omar Ochoa Law Firm to learn more about your options.

How Our Roof Damage Attorneys Can Help

The veteran roof damage attorneys at Omar Ochoa Law Firm are prepared to assist you in various ways. Here are some of the tasks we can perform for you:

• Claim Evaluation: We’ll assess your case to determine its validity and potential.
• Documentation: We’ll help gather essential evidence of the damage, including photos, videos, and repair estimates.
• Communication: We’ll handle all necessary interactions with the insurance company to ensure that the lines of communication stay open.
• Negotiation: Our legal professionals will negotiate with your insurance company to secure maximum compensation on your behalf.
• Legal Research: We’ll employ our vast knowledge of the law to navigate potentially complex insurance policies and regulations.
• Bad Faith Claims: If you think your insurer has engaged in bad faith practices, we can pursue legal action against them.
• Appeals: If your claim is wrongfully denied, we’ll assist you in making an appeal and exploring other options for legal recourse.

Don’t square off with a stubborn insurer without a dependable legal advocate in your corner. Our attorneys will fight for you every step of the way.