As El Paso residents clean up after the violent weather that pounded the town last week, the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) issued some guidelines to protect policyholders from being duped of their claims by shady contractors and lawyers.
According to PCI, it is always good practice to contact your insurer first to start the claims process.
“Contact your insurance company or agent as soon as possible to begin the claims process. Insurers plan for catastrophes and are prepared to assist homeowners immediately,” explained Joe Woods, PCI’s vice president for state government relations in Texas.
Insurers usually cover extreme weather related damage under a homeowners, renters, or commercial insurance policy. Renters insurance also provides protection for the policyholder’s personal possessions damaged under such circumstances. Auto insurance covers damage on vehicles by such events as well.
PCI also advised residents to talk with their insurance company before signing any document related to storm damage repairs. Also, PCI said to be wary of contractors who try to rush the process, or ask for upfront payment before any of the repair work is completed.
“It’s important for homeowners to realize there are fraudsters waiting to take advantage of storm victims that are in the process of filing a claim,” Woods added.
“There is a growing problem with public adjustors, contractors and by extension trial lawyers going door to door in many Texas communities hit by hail storms and encouraging homeowners to sue their insurance company,” he said.
“The truth is that these lawsuits are not only costing the homeowners but they are costing their neighbors through potentially increased insurance premiums in their areas as a result of frivolous lawsuits,” Woods concluded.
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