Property damage from Beryl? How to file an insurance claim

As Texans impacted by Hurricane Beryl begin assessing any storm damages, the Texas Department of Insurance is stressing the importance of kickstarting a claim process.

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TEXAS (KXAN) -- As Texans impacted by Hurricane Beryl begin assessing any storm damages, the Texas Department of Insurance is stressing the importance of kickstarting a claim process.

What to do when filing an insurance claim

Property owners are advised to connect with their insurance company as quickly as possible and be prepared to describe any damages sustained from the storm with as many details as available. TDI suggested property owners create a list of all the damages and take pictures or videos to supplement their claims.

Any broken or damaged items should be held onto until after talking with an insurance company or provider, TDI added. However, people can still take steps to protect their property from damages, such as covering broken windows and holes to mitigate anyone vandalizing or stealing from the property, as well as additional damages caused by the elements.

If extensive damage or long-standing power outages make a property unlivable, property owners can ask their insurance provider to cover some additional living expenses for seeking alternative accommodations.

With any claims made, property owners are advised to save some form of proof that they paid their deductible. It's illegal under Texas law for any contractors or roofers to propose waiving a deductible or offering a rebate for its amount, per TDI.

Outside of filing the insurance claim, people are encouraged to report damages sustained to the Texas Division of Emergency Management to help maximize the amount in recovery funds Texas receives.

How to handle flood damage

Likewise to insurance claims, TDI said people with flood insurance should contact their agent or company provider immediately. Under federal flood policies, it's mandatory for property owners to file a claim and document losses or damages sustained within 60 days of the event.

Individual auto policies might also cover flood damage, depending on your coverage level. It's recommended that vehicle owners contact their insurance company as soon as possible to assess possible coverage relief.

However, it's important to note that most home and renters policies don't cover flood damages, per TDI. The state agency is encouraging property owners to review their policy or call their agent for clarification on what their coverage level does and doesn't provide.

Caution against fraudulent contract offers

In the aftermath of a storm, TDI officials said it's critical Texans remain on high alert for possible contractor "scams." Whenever you're seeking contractor assistance in repairing damages, TDI recommends the following:

• Receive written estimates delivered on company letterheads that also include the company's contact information
• Seek out more than one bid to determine if they're too high, too low or "too good to be true"
• Crosscheck any contractor references or phone numbers and be weary of those who only provide out-of-town references or solicit services from door-to-door visits
• Never pay in full upfront and don't offer a final payment until all work has been completed
• Closely read all contracts and make sure you understand what they entail before signing off on one
• Don't sign off on a contract with blanks set to be filled in at a later time

How your insurance company can help with spoiled food

For power outages lasting longer than a few hours, many Texans likely have plenty of spoiled food they need to trash. Some homeowner and renters policies will offer up to $500 for spoiled food, depending on the circumstances.

TDI recommended calling your insurance company to ask if your policy covers those losses. It's also advised that residents take pictures and list out all the food that spoiled to have proof on hand before cleaning out their refrigerator.

More details on TDI's recovery tips post-disaster are available online. For any questions property owners might have, they can call TDI's Help Line at 800-252-3439.