If the recent severe weather damaged your home, RV, or property, contact your insurance company or agent to file a claim as soon as possible. The Texas Department of Insurance offers these tips to help make the process go smoother:
- Keep a list of everyone you talk to at your insurance company. Be ready to answer questions about the damage.
- Make a list of damaged property. Take pictures or video. Don't throw anything away until your insurance company tells you to.
- Take steps to protect your home from further damage. Cover broken windows and holes to keep rain out and prevent vandalism or theft.
- Try to be home when the insurance company comes to inspect the damage. If you can’t be there, leave a note with information on where you can be reached.
- Ask your agent about additional living expenses. If you’re forced out of your home to make repairs, your insurance policy may help pay for some of those expenses.
Take steps to avoid fraud
- Get written estimates on company letterhead with clear contact information.
- Get more than one bid. That will help you decide which offers are too high or too good to be true.
- Beware of contractors who only have out-of-town references, or who are going door to door.
- Check references and phone numbers. Call the Better Business Bureau to see if a contractor has complaints.
- Don't pay up front and don’t make your final payment until the job is finished.
- Beware of contractors who offer to waive your deductible. That’s illegal in Texas.
- Never sign a contract with blanks on it.
If you have questions about your insurance, call TDI’s Help Line at 800-252-3439 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.