Texas Border Business
Filing a claim
If your home was damaged by this week’s spring storms, contact your insurance company to file a claim as soon as possible. These tips can help make the claim process go smoother:
Keep a list of everyone you talk to at your insurance company. Be ready to answer questions about the damage.
Ask about additional living expenses. If you can’t stay in your home because of the damage, your insurance policy may cover the cost of a hotel or other expenses.
Take steps to prevent more damage. Cover broken windows or holes in the roof to keep water from getting in. But only make temporary repairs and save your receipts.
Make a list of damaged property. Take pictures or video of the damage. Don’t throw anything away until your insurance company tells you to.
Try to be there when the insurance company comes to inspect the damage. If you can’t stay in your home, leave a note on how you can be reached.
Avoiding fraud
When it’s time to make repairs, do your research to select the right contractor. These tips can help you avoid problems:
- Get more than one bid. That will help you decide which offers are too high or too good to be true.
- Try to use a local contractor. Don’t sign a contract with blanks to be filled in later.
- Check references and phone numbers. Call the Better Business Bureau to see if a contractor has had complaints.
- Avoid contractors who offer to waive your deductible. Paying your deductible or promising a rebate for the amount is illegal in Texas.
- Don’t pay in full up front. Your final payment should come when the work is done.
If you have other questions about your insurance, call TDI’s Help Line at 800-252-3439 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Source information: Texas Department of Insurance
