Hail is the natural disaster that causes the most damage to homes and cars across the nation. Hailstorms can severely damage your property by compromising roofing and/or siding and cause problems long after the storm is over. Hailstorms can cause significant, widespread damage to buildings and vehicles. The most significant property damage happens when severe storms strike highly populated areas with large hail an inch or more in diameter, although some hail can even be baseball-sized or larger.

Since hailstorms in Texas have increased in both frequency and severity, insurance companies have been trying to mitigate their losses by underpaying or denying many hail claims. In fact, Texas is the hail and windstorm capital of the United States and thus storm damage claims to home or business property are a frequent occurrence. So, while many turn to their insurance policies to cover the costs of the damage, unfortunately, insurance companies looking to make a profit may try to deny or minimize your valid claim, leaving you on the hook for costly repairs. If your hailstorm claims have been mishandled by an insurance provider who has minimized the damage your property has suffered, you should contact a skilled Texas hail damage attorney.

“…anyone who has him fighting for them is sure to be vigorously represented.” -Former client

Bad Faith Tactics Insurance Companies Use

While insurance companies tout themselves in their own marketing as being there for you and putting yourself in “good hands,” in reality, they often do not have the policyholder’s interests in mind and do everything they can to pay less or pay nothing in your time of need. Some of the most common bad faith tactics insurance carriers use to delay, underpay, or deny hailstorm claims include but are not limited to:

  • Unnecessarily delaying a claims decision
  • Failing to confirm or deny coverage
  • Misrepresenting the law and/or the terms of your insurance policy
  • Refusing requests for information and/or documentation
  • Claiming hailstorm damage was preexisting or due to normal wear and tear
  • Using inexperienced and/or biased third parties to administer, adjust, or evaluate claims
  • Failing to acknowledge receipt of a claim
  • Failing to conduct a prompt and thorough claims investigation
  • Advising a policyholder not to hire a lawyer
  • Requesting unnecessary additional and/or repetitive documentation
  • Increasing your premiums or canceling your coverage because you file a claim for loss

Types of Hailstorm Damage

Weather studies show the Texas hail season is generally between May and September; however, hailstorms do not stick to a specific schedule. A research study carried out by the Insurance Information Institute (III) revealed Texas has by far the highest number of properties affected by hailstorms at 1,349,347. With such prevalent and widespread hail damage in Texas, it’s important to know what types of hailstorm damage are most common so that policyholders can be sure to look for, document, and claim their losses in a comprehensive manner.

Common hailstorm claims for damage include:

  • Personal injury to those caught outside in a hailstorm
  • Auto damage by denting body, breaking or cracking windows and windshields, and stripping paint which leads to rust
  • Roof damage, including broken flashing, dents, and missing, torn, or otherwise affected shingles and/or granules
  • House or building siding damage
  • Property window damage

Houston Hailstorm Claims Attorneys

The Houston hail damage attorneys at Minces Rankin have years of experience helping homeowners and business owners deal with their insurance companies to ensure they are paid a fair amount to repair or replace the property that was damaged, whether it is through a lawsuit or negotiated settlement. The cost of repairing, and when necessary, replacing your home or business and property should be borne by your insurance company and we will work to make sure that happens.

If your property was damaged by a hailstorm, hurricane, or other severe weather, contact us as soon as possible to discuss your case and legal options. We charge no fee for an initial consultation and handle these cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing ever unless we are able to recover financial compensation on your behalf.