The Insurance Council Of Texas expects the following days will be the largest insurance claim event in history, as millions of customers file claims for the damages brought on by the storm.
It is important to note that the surge in claims and COVID-19 restrictions will extend the claims process as there are a limited number of adjusters. If you need to file a claim, we ask for your patience at this time.
Here are some answers to the Frequently Asked Questions about the claims brought on by the recent Houston freeze.
Please note: certain policy types do not cover pipes bursting or any type of water damage. Please contact us to review your policy with you.
1. I have food spoilage, should I file a claim on my home insurance?
a. The loss may not be covered if the outage is widespread and did not originate from your property.
b. Some policies provide optional coverage that provides $500 of coverage but is subject to a deductible
c. If no coverage applies but the claim was filed, there will be a $0 loss on your insurance report, which could have an impact on future insurance rates.
d. We advise against filing solely a food spoilage claim.
2. My pipes busted, what do I do now?
a. Assess the damage
b. Mitigate any damages by doing the following:
- Turn off water main
- Take pictures of the damage
- Dry up as much water as possible to prevent mildew
- Turn off electricity in the area where the pipe burst to prevent spark/fire
- Save all receipts
c. Review your policy’s coverage with your agent, deductibles of policy with customer
d. Try to be there when the insurance adjuster comes out
e. Inform customer to mitigate any damages
3. Is there coverage for the actual pipe that is damaged?
a. No coverage for the part of the plumbing that caused the damage but the resulting damage is covered if the damage is above the deductible.
4. My swimming pool and pool equipment have a crack in it because of the freeze, is it covered?
a. It might be depending on your policy but regardless is subject to all other perils deductible
5. I was without power for 30+ hours. Do I have loss of use coverage?
a. No, there has to be physical damage to your home which is covered by your insurance policy.
6. When does loss of use coverage apply?
a. The adjuster will make the determination if the home is livable or if arrangements need to be made for temporary housing due to covered loss.
7. The sprinkler system in my yard froze and now water is running down my front yard. Is this covered?
a. Most likely not covered. This is not part of the plumbing system of the home.
8. When should I hear from my adjuster?
a. When the claim is turned in to the company, they will give you an idea of when you will hear from an adjuster.
b. The homes with the most damage will be handled first. This is why you need to make immediate repairs, take photos and keep receipts.
c. Due to COVID, some claims may be handled by phone or email and the insurance company will ask you to send them the photos, videos, and receipts.
9. Should I take pictures? Do I need receipts?
a. Take as many photos as possible. Make emergency repairs to minimize the damage. If receipts are available, keep them on hand.
10. If my claim is denied, how will this impact me in the future?
a. If a claim is filed and it is not covered or if the damage is below the deductible, a $-0- paid claim will appear on your CLUE report. A CLUE report will show all home insurance claims you have filed in the last 5 years. This may have an impact on your future insurance rates
b. If the claim is below the deductible, the insurance company may ask for proof of repairs before the renewal of the policy. If the repairs have not been made, the insurance company may choose to not renew the policy.
Every policy is different so please contact us to review your coverages with you. Our licensed agents cannot tell you if your claim will be covered but they can review your policy with you and go over what is and is not included in your policy.
Click here or call 281-998-2500 if you need to file a claim or have any questions about your policy.
