Houston Bad Faith Insurance Claims After a Hail Storm

Houston is one of the most hail-prone regions in the country. The area frequently experiences severe hailstorms that cause extensive damage to roofs, siding, vehicles, and other property — all in a matter of minutes. 

Unfortunately, the scale of damage from a major hailstorm often results in property damage disputes with insurers. Our Houston bad faith insurance claims attorney at The Doan Law Firm can help.

Common Types of Hail Damage

Hailstorms can cause extensive damage to homes, vehicles, and other property. While some damage is immediately visible, other problems may not become apparent until weeks or months after the storm.

Common types of hail damage include:

• Roof shingle damage and granule loss
• Cracked or punctured roofing materials
• Leaks and water intrusion
• Damage to gutters and downspouts
• Broken windows and skylights
• Siding dents and cracks
• Damage to exterior paint and trim
• Air conditioning unit damage
• Solar panel damage
• Fence and deck damage
• Dented garage doors
• Vehicle dents and broken windshields
• Damage to outdoor furniture and landscaping
• Structural damage caused by prolonged water infiltration

Even seemingly minor hail damage can lead to significant problems if left unrepaired. The most severe hailstorms and hurricanes can lead to water intrusion, mold growth, and structural deterioration, to name a few. 

Common Ways Insurers Mishandle Hail Damage Claims

After a significant hail event, insurers are flooded with claims from policyholders across the same affected area. Rather than processing each claim on its merits, some insurers respond with bad faith tactics to reduce their exposure. Examples include: 

• Sending inexperienced or rushed adjusters who underestimate the scope of damage
• Attributing hail damage to pre-existing wear and tear or normal aging
• Offering a partial roof repair when a full replacement is warranted
• Relying on satellite or aerial imagery instead of an in-person inspection
• Disputing the storm date or claiming the damage occurred from a different, non-covered event
• Delaying payment far beyond what the policy and Texas law allow

Each of these tactics can leave a claim in limbo or provide less money to property owners in need of repairs and restoration. 

Why These Disputes Are So Common with Hail Claims

Hail damage is not always obvious to the untrained eye. Roof damage in particular can be subtle, e.g., bruised shingles, cracked granules, and weakened underlayment. These issues may not leak immediately, but can shorten the life of a roof significantly. 

This subtlety gives insurers room to argue that damage is not severe enough to warrant the payout a policyholder is requesting.

However, because hailstorms often damage many homes in the same neighborhood at once, policyholders also have an advantage. Independent adjusters, contractors, and neighboring claims can corroborate the extent of damage in the area. This, in turn, can be powerful evidence when an insurer’s assessment seems out of step with everyone else’s experience.

What Damages May Be Available in a Hail Storm Claim

When an insurer acts in bad faith in handling a hail damage claim, a policyholder may be entitled to the full value of the covered loss. A policyholder may also be entitled to additional damages for the insurer’s unreasonable conduct, as well as attorney fees and interest on the unpaid amount.

If your insurer is contesting your property damage claim after a hail storm, you should consider contacting an experienced attorney. Your attorney can arrange for an independent inspection of the property, compare that assessment against the insurer’s findings, and identify inconsistencies or omissions in the adjuster’s report. Call The Doan Law Firm to schedule a free consultation to learn more about your rights.