Article Summary
Insurance providers in Texas might not require a structural assessment after a hurricane or windstorm, but it can help expedite the claims process and protect you from lowball payouts. A structural assessment protects homeowners because:
- It’s performed by an independent third party
- It can identify “invisible” signs of damage
- It provides legal credibility if you appeal an insurance offer.
Southeast Texas Engineering & Inspections explains the insurance filing process, what’s included in a structural assessment, and how assessments protect homeowners after a storm.
Post-Hurricane Structural Assessment: Protect Your Insurance Claim From a Lowball Estimate
If your house has been damaged in a windstorm or hurricane and you’re filing an insurance claim, hiring an engineer to perform a structural assessment might seem like an unnecessary step. Why do you need to hire an engineer when the insurance company has an adjuster? But having a structural assessment can make all the difference in ensuring your payout covers the full extent of damage to your property.
How The Insurance Claim Process Works After A Hurricane Or Windstorm
While the process may vary slightly between insurance providers, filing an insurance claim in Texas follows these general steps:
1. You report all visible and suspected damage to your insurance provider.
Be sure to take extensive photos and videos as evidence, and don’t throw away or clean up major debris.
2. You take reasonable steps to mitigate damage.
This does not mean to make repairs yourself. You do have a duty to prevent further damage if it can be done safely and practically. This includes things like:
- Boarding broken windows
- Removing standing water
- Tarping holes in the roof
- Removing undamaged personal items
Your insurance provider may have a list of expected mitigation steps. When in doubt, reach out to them for guidance, and never undertake mitigation steps that put your own life at risk.
3. Your insurance provider acknowledges your claim.
Texas state law requires your provider to acknowledge your claim within 15 business days, although this may be extended in the event of a major natural disaster.
4. Your insurance provider determines what damage is covered by your policy.
An adjuster may make a determination based on the photos and videos you provide or may inspect the property in person. You might be asked to provide additional information. The insurance provider has 15 days to accept or deny your claim after they’ve received all information, but this deadline could be extended to 45 days in the event of a major natural disaster.
5. Your insurance provider pays you the agreed-upon amount.
Your payout must be issued within 5 days of agreement according to Texas State Law.
What Do I Do If I Disagree With My Insurance Provider?
It’s not unusual for insurance companies to give an initial lowball estimate in response to a claim. You can appeal your insurance provider’s offer, but must demonstrate how their estimate is inadequate to cover the extent of the damage. This is why it’s so important to take extensive photos and videos, and even more important to have an engineer perform a structural assessment.
What Is A Structural Assessment?
A structural assessment is a detailed analysis of an existing building to determine the integrity of each component, including:
- Load-bearing walls
- Internal framing
- Foundations,
- Floors and roofs.
A licensed engineer will examine each component for signs of damage, including but not limited to:
- Cracking
- Warped wood frames
- Displaced parts
- Moisture and mold growth
- Damage to fasteners, connectors, and other attachments.
Most importantly, a structural assessment includes the less-visible areas you can’t capture in photos and videos, like crawl spaces, attics, and behind walls. Your engineer will note any damage or loss of integrity that could result in further issues down the road.
So Why Get a Structural Assessment After a Hurricane or Windstorm?
When it comes to appealing low-ball insurance claims, there are three key reasons to hire your own licensed engineer for a structural assessment and avoid lowball offers:
- A claims adjuster works for the insurance company, not you. It is illegal for claims adjusters to ignore damage or misrepresent policy when inspecting your photos or property. However, they also have no obligation to search for signs of damage you haven’t reported or noticed.
- There may be extensive damage you can’t see. Property damage isn’t always as clear-cut as a hole in your roof. Windstorms and hurricanes can damage connectors, wood frames, and roofs in ways that aren’t initially visible, but snowball into larger problems down the road. Even minor water intrusion into attics and crawlspaces can become a headache down the road if not addressed properly. A licensed engineer will be trained to identify “invisible” signs of damage.
- The burden of proof is on you. You are solely responsible for proving that an insurance estimate is inadequate. If you need to file a lawsuit against your insurance provider, documentation stamped by a licensed engineer holds more legal credibility than homeowner photos.
There isn’t a state-mandated timeline to file an appeal, but there is a statute of limitations to file a lawsuit against your insurance provider in the state of Texas. That limit might be 2 to 4 years, depending on the claim type. Homeowners should be timely in scheduling structural assessments to get payouts quickly and leave plenty of time for negotiations with their insurance provider.
Prevent Lowball Payouts With A Structural Assessment From SETEI
If you want the peace of mind and legal protection of a structural assessment after a windstorm or hurricane, reach out to Southeast Texas Engineering & Inspections. We’ll provide a thorough inspection, detailed documentation and reports, and repair recommendations for your insurance provider. Let our expertise and fast, reliable service expedite your insurance claims process and help you get your home back.