Navigating Hail And Wind Damage Insurance Disputes In Texas

Hail and wind from powerful storms can wreak havoc on your home, leaving a trail of destruction that necessitates prompt and effective repairs. Unfortunately, an insurance dispute can bar the road to recovery.

I am attorney Brent A. Biggs, at the helm of The Biggs Firm in Odessa, Texas. I understand the unique challenges that homeowners in Odessa and Midland, as well as across West Texas, face when it comes to property damage from powerful storms. When you encounter unfair treatment from insurance companies after filing a claim due to hail or wind damage, I can provide the experienced guidance you need to navigate the legal process ahead.

The Critical Need For Timely Claim Approval

Strong winds and hail can cause substantial damage, particularly to the structural integrity of a property. Delays in repairs can lead to further deterioration, resulting in higher restoration costs in the future. An insurance dispute that delays your payment complicates things even more at a moment when time is of the essence.

What Property Damage Can Hail Cause?

Anyone who has experienced a severe hailstorm knows how dangerous it can be. Just the sound of the hail hitting your house and car is nerve-wracking while you wait until it’s over and you can inspect the damage.

Typical hail damage includes:

• Broken windows on houses and cars
• Roof damage to shingles
• Dented gutters and downspouts
• Cracks and dents on siding
• Damage to air conditioners and outdoor lights
• Dents on vehicles and damage to the frame

Strong winds can also cause damage to your home or vehicles. A tree falling onto a house or car is quite common in a windstorm.

Note that it is dangerous to inspect your roof on your own, so it’s advisable to wait for a roofing company or your insurance company to do that.

The Post-Storm Struggle With Insurance Adjusters

After a storm, insurance adjusters are inundated with claims and must spread their resources thin. Amid this chaos, claims can be misplaced, critical decisions delayed and policyowner attempts at contact go unanswered.

As an attorney, I have seen members of our community throughout West Texas struggle with unresponsive insurance companies. The urgency to address property damage is paramount, yet homeowners are often left waiting, their claims lost in a sea of bureaucracy.

Battling Denied Claims And Underpayment Issues

The unfair denial of claims due to disputes about the extent of damage plagues many property owners. The insurer may acknowledge the storm itself but contest the severity of its impact, claiming there is no structural damage when there clearly is.

Another way an insurer may try to avoid payment is by alleging that you failed to prevent further damage once the storm passed. An example is not boarding a window broken during a storm, resulting in preventable water damage.

Even when claims are approved, insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts, frequently falling short of covering repair costs.

When Is Wind And Hail Damage Most Common In West Texas?

While Texas can have severe storms at any time of the year, due to weather patterns, the months of March through June have the most hail and windstorms in this part of the state. April and May pose a greater threat of storms with large hail.

During these months, insurance claims are coming in at higher volumes than usual. Your insurance company may have to get additional adjusters from other states to help with the damage assessment. There will also be longer waits for repairs to vehicles and homes.

Steps To Take If Your Wind Or Hail Damage Claim Is Denied

As with any type of insurance claim, your insurance company may initially deny, delay, or undervalue your hail or wind damage claim. You can fight back, however, if you take steps such as:

• Determining the reason for the denied claim
• Getting all of the evidence (pictures and videos of the damage)
• Getting estimates on the cost of repair or replacement
• Appealing the denial
• Talking with a lawyer

Consulting an attorney about a denied insurance claim is often what it takes to overturn a denial. With my experience as an insurance defense attorney, I know how the insurance companies operate, and I can counter their tactics. I understand that these situations are frustrating, and I will work hard to resolve your claim.

Call To Put 30 Years Of Experience On Your Side

As a former insurance company defense lawyer, I understand how insurers assess claims and can protect you from an unfair settlement. Together, we can navigate the complex landscape of property insurance litigation and work toward the resolution you deserve. Contact my firm online or call 432-201-3524 today for relentless advocacy. Se habla español.

Last updated on May 28, 2025