When a major storm hits Houston, homeowners and business owners expect their insurance policies to provide relief, not more problems. But far too often, valid storm damage insurance claims are delayed, underpaid, or outright denied. The reality? Insurance companies are focused on protecting their bottom line, not yours.
At Daly & Black, P.C., we’re here to level the playing field. Our Houston storm damage attorneys fight aggressively to ensure policyholders get the compensation they’re owed for storm-related losses. Whether your claim involves wind, hail, lightning, or other storm-related damage, our team is ready to go ALL IN. ALL THE TIME.
Get a free case review with a Houston storm damage attorney now.
What Kinds of Storm Damage Does Insurance Cover?
Understanding your insurance coverage is the first step toward protecting yourself after a storm. Most standard homeowner and commercial property insurance policies cover a range of storm-related damages. However, the fine print is often where insurers try to minimize payouts or avoid responsibility altogether.
Here’s a closer look at the types of storm damage we help clients recover compensation for:
Wind Damage Claims
High winds can tear off roofing materials, break windows, and cause extensive structural damage. While wind damage is typically covered under standard property insurance policies, insurers often claim the damage was due to “wear and tear” to avoid paying full compensation.
Hail Damage Claims
Houston’s severe hailstorms can crack shingles, dent metal roofing, and damage HVAC systems. Some insurance policies limit hail coverage or apply separate deductibles, making the claims process more complicated and more prone to disputes.
Lightning and Power Surge Damage
Lightning strikes can cause fires, destroy electronics, and lead to costly repairs. Many policies cover direct lightning damage but deny claims for secondary issues like power surges. We help policyholders fight back when insurers try to dodge these claims.
Fallen Trees and Structural Collapse
Storms often bring down trees, damaging roofs, fences, and other structures. Insurance companies may refuse to pay for tree removal or claim the damage isn’t covered because the tree was “healthy” or “rotted before the storm.” We push back on these arguments.
Flooding from Storms
Flooding from rising surface water typically requires separate flood insurance. However, if water enters your property due to roof damage or broken windows from a storm, that damage may be covered under your regular policy. Insurers often misclassify damage to avoid paying—Daly & Black won’t let that happen.
Tornado and Hurricane-Related Losses
While Houston is no stranger to tornadoes and hurricanes, coverage for these events depends heavily on your specific policy. In some cases, claims are shifted to the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA), but many Houstonians still hold private policies that cover these losses. We help you determine what’s covered and make sure you get paid fairly.
A Note on Wind and Flood Insurance in High-Risk Areas
In some high-risk areas, especially along the Gulf Coast, private insurers often refuse to provide wind or flood coverage altogether. When this happens, property owners are forced to seek alternative options:
Wind Damage:
If you live in certain coastal parts of Harris County or other Gulf-adjacent zones, you may need to secure wind coverage through the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA). TWIA is a state-run insurance pool that covers windstorm damage when private carriers won’t.
Flood Damage:
Most standard homeowners’ insurance policies do not cover flooding from rising water. Flood coverage is typically obtained through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which is managed by FEMA. Keep in mind that NFIP policies have strict limits and exclusions, leaving many property owners underinsured after severe flood events.
If your insurance company is refusing to pay for storm-related losses by pointing to policy exclusions or coverage gaps, Daly & Black can help you challenge those decisions and explore all possible avenues for compensation.
Why Storm Damage Insurance Claims Are Often Denied or Underpaid
Insurance companies are businesses, and they’re driven by profits, not by helping you rebuild. After a significant storm, they face thousands of claims and use every tool at their disposal to reduce payouts. Common tactics include:
- Blaming pre-existing damage or “wear and tear”
- Claiming the damage isn’t covered due to exclusions in your policy
- Underestimating repair costs or undervaluing personal property losses
- Delaying the claims process until policyholders give up or settle for less
Under the Texas Insurance Code, carriers are required to act in good faith when handling claims. But in practice, many insurers violate this obligation. That’s where we come in.
How to File a Storm Damage Insurance Claim the Right Way
Filing a storm damage insurance claim isn’t as simple as calling your insurer and asking for help. Insurance companies design the process to be complicated, and mistakes can jeopardize your claim.
Here’s how to protect your rights from the start:
Immediate Steps After a Storm
- Document everything: Take detailed photos and videos of all damage, including your roof, walls, floors, electronics, and personal belongings.
- Create an inventory list: Include brand names, purchase prices, serial numbers, and descriptions when possible.
- Take steps to mitigate further damage: Cover broken windows, tarp roofs, and keep receipts for any emergency repairs.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurer as soon as safely possible to report the damage. However, do not let them rush you into a settlement. Many insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts from day one.
Know Your Rights Under Texas Law
Texas has strict rules under the Prompt Payment of Claims Act that require insurance companies to respond and pay claims within certain deadlines. If they don’t, they may owe you additional damages, penalties, and legal fees.
Why Hire a Houston Storm Damage Attorney From Daly & Black?
At Daly & Black, we don’t just file paperwork; we go to war for policyholders. Here’s how we handle storm damage claims:
Policy Deep Dive
We meticulously review your insurance policy to identify coverage options, policy limits, and exclusions. We know how to find leverage points most policyholders miss.
Independent Damage Assessment
Unlike the insurance company’s adjuster, we work with independent experts to assess your damage accurately. This helps build a stronger case for the true value of your losses.
Aggressive Negotiation and Litigation
We don’t back down. If the insurance company refuses to pay what you’re owed, we’re prepared to take your case to court, and we have the track record to prove it.
Clear Communication
You’ll never be left in the dark. We keep you informed at every step, so you stay in control of your case.
Ready to fight back? Call Daly & Black now to schedule your FREE consultation.
We Handle Commercial Storm Damage Claims, Too
Business owners face unique challenges when dealing with storm damage insurance claims. Property losses, business interruption, and lost revenue can devastate your operations.
Our team helps commercial property owners in Houston:
- Recover full compensation for structural and equipment losses
- Navigate complicated business interruption claims
- Fight back when insurance companies deny or delay payouts
If your business has suffered storm damage, Daly & Black is ALL IN for you.
FAQ
Does homeowner’s insurance cover storm damage in Houston?
Generally, yes. Most policies cover wind, hail, lightning, and tornado-related damage. However, flood damage from rising water often requires a separate flood insurance policy. Insurers frequently dispute what is and isn’t covered—that’s where we step in.
What should I do if my storm damage insurance claim is delayed or denied?
Contact a Houston storm damage attorney immediately. Insurers sometimes delay claims on purpose, hoping policyholders will give up or accept lowball offers. We can step in to enforce your rights under Texas law.
How quickly should I file a storm damage claim after the incident?
File as soon as possible—but don’t rush into it without proper documentation. Texas law requires prompt notification to your insurer, but you should also carefully prepare your claim with the help of legal counsel to avoid costly mistakes.
Don’t Let the Insurance Company Undervalue Your Storm Damage Claim
When your home or business suffers storm damage, you deserve more than empty promises from your insurance company. You deserve real results.
At Daly & Black, P.C., our Houston storm damage attorneys are here to help you pursue the full compensation you may be entitled to. Whether your claim involves wind, hail, flooding from a covered peril, or other losses, we’re ready to go ALL IN for every dollar owed to you under your policy.
Contact Daly & Black now to schedule your FREE consultation.