Texas weather: How to file insurance claims after severe weather damage
Storm debris and prep for bad weather
As storms come through Central Texas, you may have some weather damage. If you're filing an insurance claim, be sure you are safe first, then document everything.
TEXAS - As storms come through Central Texas, you may have some weather damage.
If you're filing an insurance claim, be sure you are safe first, then document everything.
Austin weather: Tornado in Burnet County destroys 1 home, injures 1 person
A tornado was confirmed on the ground in Burnet County on May 1.
How to report weather damage
What they're saying:
"If there are other claims, it might be busy, but you want to get there as soon as possible. Then make any kind of small repairs," Rich Johnson, director of communications and public affairs at the Insurance Council of Texas, said.
You can report damage online to help emergency management teams track damage.
You can also sign up for emergency alerts here.
Video of tornado near Briggs, Texas
A tornado was confirmed near Briggs, Texas, as the National Weather Service (NWS) issued warnings for Burnet County during severe weather across central Texas on Thursday, May 1. Chad Casey captured timelapse footage along Highway 183 showing what he described as a "tall" tornado. Video courtesy Chad Casey via Storyful.
If you do need repairs, beware of red flags from contractors.
"When we see storms like this, we see a lot of fraudulent contractors coming from in and out of town, so you just want to watch those things," Johnson said.
Check to make sure they're insured and bonded. It doesn't hurt to get a couple of cost estimates.
"You want to get somebody who is recommended by friends and family, they have a good rating online, they have good reviews, somebody that's trusted, somebody that's local," Johnson said. "If they start asking saying, 'hey, you know, we'll waive your deductible. You don't have to pay your deductible. Don't worry about that.' That is a huge red flag."
Central Texas storms
A tornado was confirmed in Burnet County on May 1. FOX 7 Austin's Lauren Rangel has the details
Whether it's tornado damage or hail, it's the same insurance process. Remember flood insurance is not in your homeowners' policy. It has to be bought separately.
With another round of rain expected Friday evening, watch for water on the roads and low water crossings. Turn around, don't drown.
No matter where you are, be prepared to protect your home this storm season. Johnson says about 60 percent of flooded homes happen in non-flood zones.
"We may see more rain, flooding, wind, and hail over the next couple of months. This is a really good time to look at your insurance policies and take a home inventory," he said.
The Source: Information from interviews conducted by FOX 7 Austin's Angela Shen and previous coverage