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Tips For Filing Insurance Claims

How To File Insurance Claims With Your Insurance Company

This content originates from the article “Insurance Strategies For Texans With Winter-Weather Problems”, by John Egan and Amy Danise of Forbes.

  1. Review your policy. Figure out what’s covered when filing insurance claims; what’s not covered, and what the deductibles are. If you’re unclear about coverage, contact your insurance agent or insurance company.
  2. Document the damage. Take photos and videos of damage caused by the winter disaster.
  3. Hang on to receipts for any temporary repairs, which may be covered by your policy. However, don’t make any permanent repairs until an insurance adjuster has evaluated your damage, as that could jeopardize the payment of a claim.
  4. Keep track of all of your communication with the insurance company. This should include the date, name, and title of each person you speak with and what was discussed.
  5. If an insurance claim adjuster is scheduled to visit, plan to be at your property at the time so you can point out all of the damage.
  6. Obtain repair bids from several contractors and compare them with the insurance adjuster’s report before settling your claim.
  7. Save proof that you paid the deductible on your claim. State law in Texas prohibits contractors and roofers from promising to waive a deductible or provide a deductible rebate. The law lets insurance companies request proof, such as a receipt or canceled check, that you paid for repairs in the amount of your deductible.
  8. Paying for repairs out of your own pocket if the claim payout will be less than your deductible. This way, you can avoid filing that will go on your record but that won’t result in a check.
  9. Stand up for yourself. Give your insurer a chance to do the right thing, but politely assert your right to the full protection you paid for.
  10. Be prepared to negotiate for a fair settlement of your claim.
  11. If you have a large claim, such as extensive building damage, consider hiring a public adjuster to help you with the paperwork and advocate on your behalf.
  12. Be patient. Some insurers will go above and beyond to ensure your claim is paid promptly and adequately, while others may vigorously fight a claim. “You will learn a lot about your company when you file a claim,” he observes.
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Winter Storm Damage and Your Insurance Claim

Winter Storm Damage and Your Insurance Claim

What To Do After A Winter Storm Hits Your Home

 

Feb 21, 2021 (PRLog via COMTEX) — Policyholders Survival Report for “Largest Insurance Claim Event In History”AUSTIN, Texas – Feb. 20, 2021

PRLog — As Texas thaws from severe winter weather, including snow, ice and freezing temperatures, insurers are facing hundreds of thousands of claims filed for significant property damage to homes and commercial properties. In 2019, the Insurance Information Institute reported $2.1 billion in insured losses caused by winter storms, 2021 will likely exceed $19 billion.

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The good news is that most insurance policies cover damage caused by snow and ice. However, understanding your policy and avoiding disputes between insurance carriers and policyholders concerning what an insurance policy covers and what is excluded can be complex.

“Our advice,” says Insurance Claim Recovery Support CEO, Scott Friedson, “is to review your insurance policy to determine your specific coverage. Some areas of damages often covered by residential or commercial property insurance policies due to snow and freezing ice conditions may include water damage, pipe bursts, business interruption, building or roof collapse, and ice dams.”

Virtually every region of Texas has been hit which could make this storm the most expensive in U.S. history. “The honest truth about insurance claims,” said Public Insurance Adjuster Friedson, with over a decade of experience settling large loss insurance claims, “is that Policyholders bear the burden of proving their claim while insurers have a duty to indemnify the insured in good faith. You can hope or you can plan but either way, if you have a claim, your insurance company’s representatives will adjust your claim, ‘their way'”.

Engaging a trustworthy Public Insurance Adjuster at the beginning of the claim process can make a big difference. Click here for more information on what you need to know about coverage and exclusions on your Winter Storm Damage Insurance claims.

Read the full article here.

5th Circuit Reasserts That Bad Faith Isn’t Necessary to Win Interest Penalty Against Texas Insurers

What the 5th Circuit Ruling Means for Your Claim Recovery Efforts

 

Texas policyholders don’t have to prove that their insurer acted in bad faith in order to collect 18% interest on late claim payments, a recent decision by the 5th circuit Court of Appeals.

A Houston plaintiff’s attorney defeated State Farm Lloyd’s for the fourth time on the same issue, this time coming away with a federal appellate court ruling that policyholders don’t have to prove that their insurer acted in bad faith in order to collect 18% interest on late claim payments.

The Texas Supreme Court ruled essentially the same way last year in another lawsuit, but Wednesday’s decision by the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals “puts a fine point” on the precedent, clarifying that interest is owed starting from the date a final ruling is issued, said attorney Joshua P. Davis.

Davis said the lawsuit he filed on behalf of San Antonio homeowners Jesus and Margaret Agredano marked the fourth time he has taken State Farm to court seeking penalties under the Texas Prompt Payment of Claims Act, or TPPCA.

Many Signing Texas Insurance Documents“We did fairly well for ourselves and hopefully they will finally get the picture,” Davis said Thursday.

The Agredanos filed a claim with State Farm seeking repairs to the roof of their ranch-style home in northeast San Antonio, which had been damaged by hail on Aug. 11, 2014. State Farm gauged the damage at $615.17, well below the amount of the deductible on the policy.

The Agredanos hired a public adjuster who estimated the damage would cost $45,270.33 to repair. The also hired Davis, who wrote a demand letter seeking $83,084.51. In addition to the cost of the repairs, Davis threw in $5,000 for mental anguish, court costs, attorney fees and 18% interest for State Farm’s alleged late payment of a valid claim. When State Farm refused to pay, the Agredanos filed a lawsuit, which was removed to the U.S. District Court for Western Texas in San Antonio.

At trial, Davis said he submitted a “more reasonable” damage estimate of $13,661. He acknowledged that public adjuster estimates can be “expansive.” The jury awarded Agredanos that amount after a trial.

Click here to read the full article.

Damaging Storms Reach Denver, Colorado

Tuesday Night’s Storm Caused 1 Tornado & Tennis Ball Sized Hail

Colorado was hit with a storm so intense it caused high winds, large hail, and even a tornado in Lincoln County. The storm began to unfold just before midnight on Tuesday evening when the National Weather Service issued its first warning that storms were possible for eastern Colorado.

In a terrible turn of events, Colorado is being hit by storms from the East. Damaging winds, hail and even a tornado have been reported in Lincoln County. In response to this threat, officials are urging people to take shelter immediately and stay away from windows if possible. The National Weather Service has advised that these storms should dissipate overnight but they will likely continue moving through Colorado on Wednesday morning.

This blog post discusses the effects of damaging storms that have reached Denver, Colorado. This storm caused high winds, large hail, and even a tornado in Lincoln County. It is important for people to be aware of these events so they can take any necessary precautions to protect themselves.

The storm has passed, now what?

The first thing you need to do is to check your property for any potential hail and wind damage. This could include; damage to trees, landscaping, broken windows

hail damage insurance claims

Photo Credit: Matt Minnillo

or siding, dents in gutters, downspouts and air conditioning units as well as missing shingles and any indentations in roof materials. While you’re checking out your property, it’s essential that you take pictures of all damages.

During this time, it’s also important to contact your insurer or insurance agent and put them on notice that you intend to file an insurance claim.

Did your property suffer damage from Tuesday’s storm? Act fast and CONTACT US now for a Complimentary Hail Report!

To see the full list of the severe weather reports, click HERE.

Damage from Georgetown, TX May 2020 Hail Storm

Georgetown Texas Residents – Don’t Wait! Now’s The Time to Submit Your Hail Damage Claim!

Early Thursday morning the residents of Georgetown Texas woke up and began to assess the damage from what will likely be one of the most costly hail storms in Georgetown’s history.

Hail from egg-sized to the size of tennis balls pummeled the city, especially the NW portions close to Serenada and Sun City. It was even confirmed by The National Weather Service that baseball-sized hail was produced by the storm. That’s hail that reaches 2.75 inches in diameter.

Photo Courtesy of Madelyn Young Ereckson

The baseball-sized hail was produced by an 81 mph updraft wind, and fell into roofs and cars at estimated speeds of 50-60 miles per hour. To produce updraft winds inside of a thunderstorm that strong, you need tremendous instability in the atmosphere, and strong wind shear to keep the updraft and the downdraft in the thunderstorm separate and self-sustaining.

For more information on the hailstorm, visit THIS ARTICLE, written by Nexstar Media Wire of FOX4.

If your Georgetown home or business suffered hail storm damage, now’s the time to file your hail damage claim! The experts at Insurance Claim Recovery support should be the first people you call when submitting a hail damage claim. Our certified and trusted public insurance adjusters will exclusively represent you and your claim to ensure you’re getting the fair settlement you deserve. The ICRS team will negotiate with your insurance company, and if there isn’t any recovery, you won’t owe a fee. Don’t waste your time and money trying to deal with other unprofessional and unqualified adjusters. Contact the team at Insurance Claim Recovery Support and have peace of mind that your insurance claim is being taken care of.

Amistad Bank Retained ICRS for April 11th Storms

Learn how ICRS can help your storm damage claim

We’re happy to help Amistad Bank after the April 11th hail storms. These kinds of storms can cause massive damages to businesses.

A severe thunderstorm with strong wind gusts and softball size hail hammered Del Rio, TX the night of April 11th, causing extensive damage to vehicles, roofs, and windows.

Neighbors throughout the city reported large hailstones, ranging from quarter size to golf ball and even softball size in their properties.

A severe thunderstorm warning issued by the National Weather Service alerted residents of Kinney County, Val Verde County and South Central Texas area of the storm, encouraging everyone to seek shelter immediately.

At 8:30 p.m the storm was located 12 miles east of Del Rio, moving east at 25 mph.

The storm carried a potential of 60-mile an hour wind gusts, the National Weather Service warning said.

After a hailstorm like this, it’s important to take steps to file a successful insurance claim:

  • Check your property for any potential hail and wind damage.
    • Damage to trees, landscaping, and vehicle dents for collateral damage.
    • Broken windows or siding.
    • Dents in gutters, downspouts, and air conditioning units.
    • Missing shingles, indentations in roof materials.
  • Take pictures of all damages.
  • Contact your insurer or insurance agent and put them on notice you intend to file a hail insurance claim.
  • YOU MUST MITIGATE DAMAGES as soon as reasonably possible
  • Keep records of mitigation and clean up expenses.
  • Contact ICRS for a complimentary hail report that provides hailstone size at your location, policy review, and building inspection.

Breaking Through the Disruption Webinar

business interruption losses webinar

Breaking Through the Disruption Webinar: Navigating COVID-19 Business Interruption Losses 

Topics Include: • Should you file a business interruption losses insurance claim now?
• What options do Policyholders have to get claims settled?
• How to make a strong argument for business interruption coverage.
• How does a virus exclusion endorsement potentially affect civil authority coverage for business income losses?
• Review of Physical loss or damage policy language.
• Leading question “gotchas” from your insurance company
• Definition & importance of “civil orders”
• Elements of a business loss claim

business interruption losses webinar

business interruption losses webinar business interruption losses webinar business interruption losses webinar
Shannon Loyd
Attorney
The Loyd Law Firm, P.L.L.C		 Scott Friedson
Public Insurance Adjuster
Insurance Claim Recovery
Support		 Bruce Smith, CPA/CFF, CFE
BDS
Forensic Accounting


Sponsorships or Future Webinar Ideas:

Contact:
Ginger Wheless
713.661.6350
ginger@rednews.com

Registration or Technical Questions?
Contact:
Alan Davis
alan.davis@rejournals.com

Avoid an Underpaid or Delayed Insurance Claim Settlement

Don’t let your insurer underpay or delay your
Insurance Claim 

Business owners trust the licensed public adjusting firm Insurance Claim Recovery Support, LLC (ICRS). We are one of the country’s oldest and leading Commercial and Multifamily insurance claim specialists with over $100M in claims settled fairly and promptly. We exclusively represent the interests of and advocate on behalf of policyholders and we’re not attorneys or contractors.

Policies typically require you to file your insurance claim promptly and the settlement process can be taxing. Interpretation of insurance policy language, settlement negotiations and meeting the burden of proving what you are rightfully owed can frustrate you to a point where you may even think about using your insurance company. Almost everyone we’ve ever helped felt the same frustration you do and very often we help policyholders successfully avoid unnecessary litigation. If you are dealing with a large commercial or multifamily property damage insurance claim, I urge you to consider the possibility of protecting your interests, being proactive and do not wait or waste your valuable time dealing with an insurance claim that you anticipate may be delayed or underpaid.

100% of the claims we represent have resulted in faster and/or higher settlements than the insurer’s original offer and we work on contingency, no recovery no fee. Everybody deserves a fair settlement, but the expertise required to successfully navigate the claim process is best left to experts who know how to win the repair vs. replace disputes associated with hail insurance claims.

Insurance companies are for-profit businesses. Minimizing your claim increases their profits. Why allow your carrier’s hired adjuster to document and settle your claim when they don’t represent your interests? Whatever stage your insurance claim is in, we solve insurance claim problems. I look forward to answering any insurance claim questions you may have.

WE EXCLUSIVELY REPRESENT THE INSURED

Has COVID-19 Caused Your Business to Close?

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) has interrupted many businesses, impacting their income and revenue.

Most policies exclude viruses but many business interruption policies trigger coverage for business loss due to a pandemic event or civil authority. If your City or State has issued an order to shut down your business we can assist you in determining if your policy language can arguably trigger coverage and assist you in filing your claim.  Insurance Claim Recovery Support is offering a free consultation by way of a free review of your policy to advise whether your business may have coverage for loss of income.  Simply fill out the form below, we will contact you within 3 business hours and you will receive a link to schedule 30-minute complimentary consultation.

Skilled, trusted public insurance adjusters can advocate for their business owner/operator clients with both claim adjusters and examiners — and how they negotiate with each will change significantly in this market. If COVID-19 caused your business to close, contact the experts at ICRS.

Business Interruption Loss Claim Review

Has Coronavirus interrupted your business, income, and revenue? Civil Authority for the shut down of restaurants and businesses may trigger coverage.

BUSINESS INTERRUPTION LOSS CLAIM REVIEW
SURVEY LETTER

$2 Billion in Insured Losses from 9 Tornadoes in Dallas, TX

Sunday’s tornadoes in DFW have resulted in an estimated $2B in losses, making the event the costliest in North Texas history.

Wind and tornado damage claims are prone to repair vs replace disputes. If you’re filing a claim due to damage from the tornadoes in Dallas, TX, reach out to the expert claim adjusters at ICRS. The best time to have Insurance Claim Recovery Support LLC public adjusting firm represent your interests is now before a problem arises. We have assisted owners and operators to settle over $100M in Commercial and Multifamily property damage insurance claims fairly and promptly, and represent some of the largest real estate organizations in Texas.