Goliad may be on the outer edge of the Texas Coastal Bend, but it still experienced the effects of Hurricane Harvey. The strong winds and rains of the worst storm to hit the United States in twelve years left their mark on residents’ homes and area businesses. With thousands of people filing claims after Harvey, and just days later Hurricane Irma in the Southeast, homeowners are spending a lot of time waiting on their insurance companies. Many are feeling they may have fallen through the cracks.
To meet the increased demand of claims reported, insurance companies are turning to dedicated hotlines specifically for taking in hurricane-related claims. Many insurance companies have also sent out special catastrophe teams to the areas most affected by the storms.
In spite of these efforts, many property owners in Goliad are still uncertain what will be covered. As they live with the anxiety of repairing damage to their homes, there is confusion, frustration, and uncertainty.
For those filing Goliad Hurricane Harvey insurance claims, the attorneys of Carabin Shaw are ready to do everything they can to help get the resolution to your claim and the service from your insurance company you deserve.
If you’ve submitted a Goliad hurricane claim, the first thing to remember is that you will need to initiate contact with your insurance company. If you haven’t yet reported your claim, it’s vital that you make that first phone call to put your insurance company on notice that you intend to file a claim for your damages. As you speak with them, be sure to note the names, dates, and any topics of conversation for future reference.
When you report your Goliad Hurricane Harvey insurance claim, the representative may ask you to mitigate your damages. What this means is that you must secure your home to prevent any additional loss. Many times, the damage caused by a storm can leave a home with holes, broken glass, or other damage. If it were to rain again or if it leaves your home vulnerable to other incidents, any additional damage would become a separate claim with a separate deductible. Be sure to take any steps necessary to keep this from happening.
One of the more unfortunate scenarios for those filing Goliad Hurricane Harvey insurance claims is the increase in fraudulent activity targeting desperate homeowners. Individuals will attempt to take advantage of people when they’re in a vulnerable, frustrated state of mind, and nowhere are there greater concentrations of such people than in a community wrecked by a hurricane.
The most common fraud is people posing as legitimate contractors. They typically initiate contact with the resident by visiting the home, where they will suggest they can perform the work quickly and inexpensively. Then they will usually ask that you pay in full prior to the work being done, then never come back.
Some ways to protect yourself against fraud in Goliad would be to ask for references, insist on getting an estimate on company letterhead, and refuse to pay in full prior to the work being complete. If you suspect fraudulent activity in your neighborhood, don’t hesitate to let the police know.
Sometimes, there are instances when you’ve done all you can do to fulfill the requests of your insurance company but are still not getting the response you expect. When this happens, give the Goliad hurricane insurance claims lawyers of Carabin Shaw a call.
We have a wealth of resources and experience dealing with insurance companies. Our team of attorneys is thoroughly knowledgeable of their procedures and can explain the claims process in a way that you can understand. Our lawyers also work hard to make sure your rights as a homeowner are protected.
Your first visit with one of our lawyers is free of charge, and we do all work on a contingency basis, which means we don’t get paid until you do.
To schedule a free visit with one of our lawyers in Goliad, give us a call today at 800-862-1260.