For those who suffered property losses during this week’s windstorm — the Northwest Insurance Council said in a post-storm release — the knowledge that wind damage is covered under standard homeowners and business insurance policies “may bring some peace of mind. Vehicle owners with optional comprehensive coverage also are insured.” Homeowners insurance and business insurance… Read more »
Texas towns clean up after tornado
LINDALE, Texas — The National Weather Servicesaid a tornado touched down Saturday in this town 90 miles southeast of Dallas, causing significant damage. Meanwhile, residents in Willis, 50 miles north of Houston, said a tornado damaged homes and businesses. The NWS sent investigators to Lindale on Sunday to assess the damage and determine the strength of the tornado. Several homes were… Read more »
When clients ask me which insurance company to purchase a homeowners policy from my first response is always…
“If you see their commercials on T.V. stay away from their policy!” We all know that excessive advertisement is expensive and the Chicago Tribune reported that three of the nation’s biggest home and auto insurers grew their advertising spending a combined 6.2 percent in 2014. In dollar terms, Allstate led the way, spending $937.3 million…. Read more »
Review of Texas Department of Insurance Bulletins on Roof Replacement with Multiple Overlays
On June 11, 1993, the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) issued a bulletin to address replacement of damaged roofs. The bulletin specifically set forth the position of the Department regarding the payment of a claim for a roof damaged loss to include the cost of the removal of the damaged roof as part of the… Read more »
When the Insurance Claim Process Makes You Sick, Property Loss Doctors is the Cure!
My client was referred to me by Frank Greer whom works with ATX Roofing when their client’s roof claim was completely denied last summer for hail damage. Although the insurance company still refused to pay me, I knew that the policyholder had a legitimate claim and referred them to a law firm that specializing in… Read more »
Texas Court Confirms Contractors Cannot Negotiate Claims on Behalf of Customers
In 2013, a company that calls itself “the largest residential roofing company in Texas”, lost a legal battle over its contracts and the services it offers its customers. Lon Smith Roofing & Construction was ordered by a federal magistrate judge to pay $275,000 in damages and attorney fees to a Fort Worth couple who claimed… Read more »
Payment of Overhead and Profit
One common problem that has been arising is when overhead and profit should be paid in response to a property insurance claim. For those not aware, overhead and profit (generally estimated at 20% of the total amount of the estimate) is intended to cover the overhead/operating costs of a general contractor as well as the… Read more »
Property Damaged by hailstorm
When the roof of McWha Book Store in Belton was damaged by a hailstorm on March 28, 2014, the owner was unaware that a severe storm had been through the area because he was out of town. After he witnessed neighbors making repairs to their property, he inspected his roof and found damage in which… Read more »