Houston Bad Faith Insurance Claims After a Hurricane or Storm

Major storms bring some of the most catastrophic property losses that Houston homeowners and business owners face. Wind damage. Flooding. Fallen trees. Prolonged power outages. These conditions can all combine to create extensive property damage claims. These are also the moments when insurance companies are most likely to act in bad faith, because the financial stakes for the insurer are highest. Our bad faith insurance claim lawyer in Houston has helped countless property owners secure fair compensation for the damages they suffered.

Common Bad Faith Tactics After a Hurricane

In the aftermath of a major storm, insurers facing thousands of similar claims often resort to tactics that prioritize their bottom line. 

.These tactics include:

• Misclassifying wind damage as flood damage to shift the loss to a separate, often nonexistent flood policy
• Sending overwhelmed or out-of-state adjusters unfamiliar with the local construction and damage patterns
• Lowballing estimates by underestimating the cost of materials and labor during high-demand periods
• Failing to account for additional living expenses while a home is uninhabitable
• Delaying claims processing far beyond statutory deadlines, citing storm volume as an excuse
• Disputing the cause of damage to avoid coverage altogether

These actions can leave property owners in a bind as they await restoration/repairs to their home or business. 

The Wind-Versus-Flood Problem

Storms and hurricanes can cause substantial property damage that leaves underlying structures unusable or at risk for further failures. 

Common types of damage include:

• Roof and siding damage
• Water intrusion and flooding
• Structural damage
• Broken windows and doors
• Fallen trees and debris impacts
• HVAC and electrical system damage
• Mold and moisture-related damage
• Damage to flooring, drywall, and personal property
• Damage to garages, sheds, and other detached structures
• Vehicle and boat damage

One of the most significant disputes in resulting claims is wind damage versus flood damage. Flood damage generally requires separate flood insurance, whereas wind damage is covered under the standard policy.

As a result, homeowners usually need separate flood insurance, often through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer, to protect against flooding risks. Disputes frequently arise after hurricanes because insurance companies may attribute damage to flooding rather than wind, even when wind damage occurred first and should be covered under the homeowner’s policy.

Sometimes, determining the true cause of damage after a hailstorm or hurricane often requires a detailed analysis of how water entered the property and whether wind-driven rain, a damaged roof, or rising floodwater was the actual source.

Recoverable Damages in a Property Claim

Policyholders who can show that an insurer acted in bad faith following a hurricane or major storm may be entitled to recover multiple types of damages. 

A successful claim may provide money for: 

• The full amount owed under the policy
• Additional statutory damages
• Interest on delayed payments
• Attorney’s fees and litigation costs

Given the scale of hurricane losses, these claims often involve high values, making a thorough and well-documented case essential.

If your hurricane or storm-related claim was mishandled, contact an attorney to discuss your options. Your attorney can bring in engineers and other experts to determine the true cause of your property damage and challenge the insurer’s conduct during the post-storm period. Call The Doan Law Firm to schedule a free consultation for help understanding your legal options.