Winter Weather Information
| Winter Weather Information Details |
In 2021, winter storms in Texas led to hundreds of thousands of insurance claims and billions of dollars in damage. Attached you will find a winter weather checklist and safety information/tips that you can take to protect your home and property from winter storm damage.
Should you have damages after the winter storm, you may need to file a homeowners insurance claim. For more information, please visit The Texas Department of Insurance website to find out what you need to do, and what you can expect.
Protecting your property
Filing a claim
Repairing your home
Should you have damages after the winter storm, you may need to file a homeowners insurance claim. For more information, please visit The Texas Department of Insurance website to find out what you need to do, and what you can expect.
Protecting your property
- Call your insurance company to report damage.
- Take pictures and video of the damage. Don’t throw anything away until your insurance adjuster tells you.
- Make temporary repairs to prevent more damage. Remove standing water. Cover broken windows and holes to keep rain out.
- Keep a list of the repairs and save receipts. Don’t make permanent repairs before the insurance adjuster sees the damage.
Filing a claim
- Call your insurance agent or company as soon as possible to report property damage.
- Keep a record of everyone you talked to with your company.
- Be ready to answer questions about the damage.
- Ask about an advance payment if you need help quickly.
- Ask about living expenses. Most policies will cover some of the costs you have if you are unable to live in your home because of damage that is covered by your insurance. Keep your receipts for these costs.
- If you need shelter or emergency food or water, contact the Red Cross at 800-733-2767.
Repairing your home
- Make sure your adjuster and company have your current phone number.
- Make sure your address is visible from the street. You may need to post a sign with your address in the yard.
- Try to be there when the adjuster visits and point out all damage.
- Get multiple bids from contractors and compare them with the adjuster’s report before settling the claim.
- Save proof that you paid the deductible on the claim. A state law makes it illegal for contractors or roofers to offer to waive a deductible or to promise a rebate for your deductible. It also allows insurance companies to request proof, such a receipt or canceled check, that you paid the deductible.
