Protect Your Rights
Navigating the Insurance Claims Process
Texas law is very protective of consumer rights with respect to insurance claims and settlements. When Hurricane Ike devastated the Texas Gulf Coast, our first concern was the safety of our friends and neighbors. Now that it is safe to return to most areas impacted by Ike, it is time to ensure you will be properly compensated for any damages to your homes and businesses. Craft Hughes Law, P.C., can provide the resources you will need to navigate the insurance claims process. You may contact us anytime for your free initial consultation at 888-350-3931. We are here to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Individuals affected by hurricane Ike are encouraged to read the Texas consumer's Insurance Bill of Rights published by the Texas Department of Insurance. Attorney W. Craft Hughes and the law firm of Craft Hughes Law, P.C., are actively reviewing cases where individuals and families have suffered damage by (1) unfairly aggressive, deceptive, or negligent practices of your insurance company; or (2) if your hurricane damage claim has been unfairly rejected by your insurance company, or (3) if an insurance adjuster has underestimated the cost of your losses caused by a hurricane.
If any of these things have happened to you in the wake of a recent hurricane or natural disaster, you should seek help from a qualified insurance claims lawyer. You should immediately complete a Home Inventory Checklist of all property destroyed. This Checklist is provided and published by the Texas Department of Insurance. Please complete the Home Inventory Checklist as soon as possible. No one can remember every item of property destroyed; and people tend to forget more items of property with the passage of time.
Legal Services Offered:
- If you have been treated unfairly by aggressive, deceptive, or negligent practices of your insurance company, or
- If your hurricane damage claim has been unfairly rejected or denied by your insurance company, or
- If an insurance adjuster has underestimated the cost of your losses caused by a hurricane
Be Aware!
Don't let your insurance company cut corners. You pay premiums and deserve the highest level of service. Here are some classic common issues to be aware of to make sure your insurance company does not underpay your claim:
1. Only looking at obvious damages. Your adjuster should review your property with an eye for finding all damages, not just the obvious ones. It is their responsibility as trained professionals under the law to fully scope your damages. For example, your adjuster should get on your roof, look at your foundation and inspect your attic;
2. Paying only for partial repairs. If you are unable to repair your property with the money provided, your property may be devalued, which could affect future sale; and
3. Not fully restoring the property. Provided your insurance policy is for replacement cost value, you should at least be paid to restore the property to pre-hurricane condition. The property should not have to be "patched" back together and should match once it is repaired.
Have You Been Underpaid?
If you think you have been underpaid, you need to ask yourself these questions:
(1) Will partial repairs devalue my home?
(2) Would potential future buyers be discouraged?
(3) Would an inspector find hidden damage?
(4) Can full repairs not be made with the amount I have been paid?
If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you have likely been underpaid.
Craft Hughes Law, P.C., can act as your own insurance attorney to stand up for your rights and ensure fair treatment by your insurance company. At the law firm of Craft Hughes Law, P.C., our job and our experience is to protect your interests, and that means making sure your insurance company treats you in a fair AND timely manner.
Immediate Actions You Can Take To Protect Your Rights:
There are a number of things you can do to right now to help ensure you will be properly compensated for the damages to your home or business that may have been incurred as a result of Hurricane Ike:
1. Make a claim with your agent or insurance company immediately;
2. Keep records of anyone you talk to, including agents, adjusters and contractors;
3. Keep copies of all documents;
4. Do a thorough walk through of the property;
5. Make a detailed list and take pictures of all damages to the exterior and interior;
6. Make an inventory of damaged contents, including cost, when and where purchased;
7. Locate pictures of the property prior to the storm if possible;
8. Gather all receipts for expenses incurred during the time you are away from your home or business; and
9. Make reasonable temporary repairs to prevent further damage.
Consult an Attorney on Legal Issues
If your insurance company has denied your property damage claim from hurricane Ike, take action to protect your rights. Call attorney W. Craft Hughes at 888-350-3931 or send us an e-mail.
If the inquiry is accepted for further review, you will receive a prompt response (usually the same day or by the next business day).
Useful Links and Articles:
Texas Department of Insurance - Consumer protection
File an on-line Complaint with the Texas Department of Insurance
Fight Bad Faith Insurance Companies
Article - How Insurance Companies Deny, Delay, Confuse and Refuse
Useful Mailing Addresses and Contact Information:
Craft Hughes Law, P.C.
Attorney W. Craft Hughes
6438 Buffalo Speedway
Houston, TX 77005
Toll Free: 888-350-3931
Fax: 713-668-3819
E-mail
Texas Department of Insurance
P.O. Box 149104
Austin, TX 78714-9104
Phone: 512-463-6169
Toll-Free: 800-578-4677
Report Insurance Fraud
Phone: 512-490-1001
Toll-Free: 888-327-8818
Texas Department of Insurance - Consumer Information
Phone: 512-463-6515
Phone: 512-475-1771
Toll-Free: 800-252-3439
Texas Department of Insurance
Consumer Protection (111-1A)
P.O. Box 149091
Austin, Texas 78714-9091
Texas Department of Insurance
Open Records Division
Phone: 512-463-6390
Phone: 512-475-1772
