Hailstorms are common in Texas and can cause damage to your home and car. In fact, some of the most extensive hail damage in the country is seen in the Lone Star state. Hail season usually begins in March and can go through the summer and into late August. North Texas experiences the greatest number of hailstorms, but those in the Hill Country, and East and West Texas can also experience hailstorms. Hail can begin quickly, and the impact can be significant. Since hail can fall from the sky between 20 and 100 miles per hour, when it comes into contact with a roof, the damage can be extensive. You may experience cracks or splits in shingles, dents in gutters and flashing, and leaks that can damage what is inside your home. Since a damaged roof can cost thousands to repair, insurance companies may drag their feet after a hailstorm claim is filed, may deny the claim outright, or may offer you far less than the actual damage. If this should happen to you, you need an experienced Texas hail damage attorney from the Gulf Coast Insurance Attorneys. We will fight the insurance company on your behalf, ensuring they pay you what your claim is worth in a timely manner.
Why Choose a Texas Hail Damage Attorney from Gulf Coast Insurance Attorneys?
When your home or vehicle—or both—has extensive hail damage and your insurance company is engaging in delay or denial tactics or offering you an extremely low amount, you need immediate help. While you have choices when deciding on a Texas hail damage attorney, at Gulf Coast Insurance Attorneys we believe once you speak to us your choice will be clear. If our location is not convenient for you, we will arrange to meet with you at a more convenient location and time.
We understand that schedules can be full, so we are flexible in our willingness to meet with you and discuss your potential claim and evaluate your home’s damages. Attorney Peter Diiorio and his highly experienced legal team are ready to discuss your situation, lay out your options, and then advocate for your rights and your future. We will passionately work to take your case as far as necessary to obtain justice. We enthusiastically represent clients across Texas and we are ready to assist you. Once we are on your case, we will not let the insurance company take advantage of you as we fight for the full, fair settlement you need and deserve to deal with the hail damage to your home.
Overview of Hail Damage in Texas
Following a hailstorm, not only could you have significant damage to your roof, but you could also have damage to outdoor furniture, barbecue grills, sheds, and more. If the damage to your roof is extensive, a replacement roof could cost as much as $10,000 to $20,000. The size of the hailstones will affect the degree of damage; a hailstone can be as small as a pea, or as large as a softball. Since hailstones are rarely perfectly round, the edges can be sharp, impacting the level of damage dealt. Hail can cause pitting and dings in metal roofing, as well as aluminum siding, gutters, and asphalt shingles. Those with wood shake shingles can see cracks after a hailstorm. The age and condition of your roof will also affect the level of damage sustained.
What Steps Should I Take Following Hail Damage to My Property?
Once the storm has passed and you realize you’ve received hail damage to your home, you will file a claim through your insurance company with the goal of having the damage repaired. You will probably work with an insurance adjuster from your company who will inspect the roof and determine what damage was caused by the hailstorm. If your insurance company acknowledges that the hailstorm did in fact cause the damage to your roof, you will either be offered a check for the Actual Cash Value of your roof or a check for Replacement Cost Value, depending on your policy. Actual Cash Value is the depreciated value of your roof, which is your roof’s current value, while Replacement Cost Value is the cost of a new roof, so RCV is the higher of the two. Following hail damage to your roof, taking the right steps can make a significant difference in the outcome. These steps include:
- Carefully assess the damage to your roof, as well as to furniture, floors, walls, and other valuables if the hail leads to leaks in the roof. Don’t forget to look for missing shingles, damaged gutters, and any other signs of storm damage.
- Take photos to document all damage.
- Contact a roofing contractor to get a good idea of the level of damage.
- Call your insurance company; if you must make emergency repairs to avoid more damage, make sure you keep all receipts and photograph all the damage and repairs.
- If your insurance company is delaying payment, denying payment, or has offered you an amount that won’t fully cover the damage, contact an experienced Texas hail damage attorney from Gulf Coast Insurance Attorneys.
How Does Hail Damage Property? (roof, window, and siding damage, dents, etc.)
According to Hanover Insurance Company, damage from hail is among the top homeowners’ claims every year. In fact, one in 35 homes reports hail damage to their home in any given year. Hail can result in dents to aluminum siding, shingles, and gutters, or cracks in vinyl siding, wood shake shingles, and asphalt roofs. Aluminum siding can be damaged significantly, even by light hailstorms. Dented gutters and downspouts are often the result of hail damage, as well as buckling, warping, dents, and dings to windowsills. In some cases, hail can result in uneven gaps between siding layers, as well as damage to decks, patio covers, carports, sheds, outdoor furniture, and, of course, vehicles. If you have a chimney or skylights, these should also be inspected carefully.
Will My Insurance Cover Hail Damage?
Homeowner’s insurance will generally cover the costs of repairing hailstorm damage unless it is specifically excluded under your policy (which is rare). Of course, you will have to cover your deductible, but your dwelling coverage should cover the costs associated with repairing or replacing any parts of your home damaged by hail. While most homeowner’s policies cover the cost to repair hail damage to your roof, it is usually only for actual cash value (ACV), which takes into consideration depreciation for things like age, condition, and the type of roofing material your home has. While your homeowner’s policy typically covers hail damage to your siding, it generally only covers the damaged siding, which can result in mismatched siding. If your insurance company is balking at paying for your hail damage or is offering such a small amount that it won’t begin to cover all the necessary repairs, a knowledgeable Texas hail damage attorney can help.
How a Texas Hail Damage Attorney from Gulf Coast Insurance Attorneys Can Help
If you are dealing with hail damage following a Texas hailstorm, you could benefit from assistance in dealing with your insurance company. Having a knowledgeable Texas hail damage attorney from Gulf Coast Insurance Attorneys can make a significant difference in the outcome of your hail damage claim. We will not let the insurance company underpay, delay, or deny your hail damage claim. Attorney Peter Diiorio will ensure you are treated fairly following damage to your home. Contact the Gulf Coast Insurance Attorneys today!