Fulgham Hamptom Law Group Blog

Your House Has Flooded — What Texans Should Do

Flood Insurance | Homeowner Insurance Claims

As we head into the second half of the 2019 Atlantic hurricane season, there isn’t a single Texan who hasn’t already asked themselves, “What should I do if my house gets flooded?”

As of this writing, we’ve weathered seven tropical storms since May and have more than two months left in the season. Do you know the answer to the question?

Today, we provide you with eight easy steps to take that can help to ensure the best possible outcome should you become the victim of residential flooding.

Ready? Let’s begin.

Standard Texas homeowners’ policies do not cover flood damage unless it is directly caused by a “covered peril.” When you purchased your home and [...]

Common Reasons Texas Insurers Deny Homeowners’ Claims (And What to Do)

Bad Faith Insurance | Homeowner Insurance Claims | Insurance Claims

When an unforeseen accident or disaster causes damage to your house, you may be stressed but reassured by the thought, “At least I have homeowners’ insurance!”

So when your homeowners’ claim is denied by your insurance company, it can come as an especially heartbreaking shock. Unfortunately, this situation is all too common in Texas.

Self-interested insurance companies may seek every possible opportunity to deny your claim in order to avoid paying it. We’ve explained some of the most common reasons insurers deny claims in Texas below.

Of course, for all the reasons your claim could be denied, there are usually ways to avoid them, so we’ve included a bit of advice, too.

How Do You Know If You Need Flood Insurance in Texas?

Flood Insurance | Homeowner Insurance Claims

Did you know that floods are the leading natural disaster to the U.S.? You may have at least noticed extreme weather events becoming more common.

So in a time when you’re more likely than ever to need it, you would think most homeowners insurance policies would count flood coverage as standard.

You should know, they don’t.

Now, Fort Worth doesn’t see hurricanes like coastal cities such as Houston. Still, the city — the entire DFW area, in fact — is located in the dead center in the northern-most part of a corridor known as Flash Flood Alley. This stretch of land from Central to Northern Texas is always hardest hit by precipitation each year.

Moreover, many parts of Fort [...]

Flood Insurance in Texas: An Overview

Flood Insurance | Homeowner Insurance Claims | Insurance Claims

One of the most affordable insurance policies a Texan can buy? Flood Insurance.

One of the least-purchased insurance policies in Texas? Also Flood Insurance.

One of the top reasons why Texas homeowners file insurance claims? Flooding.

Reportedly, 71% of Texas residences identified as being located in high-risk flood zones do not have coverage for flood waters.

There are a number of contributing factors to that – perception that flood risk is low, that it’s not required to by law, (mistakenly) believing it’s covered by another policy, bad faith claims leaving folks feeling like a policy isn’t going to pay out anyway. The fact remains, however, that your home is probably your biggest asset… and the policies you own — very [...]

Texas Businesses: How to Make an Insurance Claim Checklist

Business Insurance Claims | Homeowner Insurance Claims | Insurance Claims

Got your own company? It’s not about if, but when you will end up filing a business insurance claim.

Unfortunately, there are a number of steps for filing a business insurance claim in Texas, and a number of common missteps and often-overlooked items throughout the process.

We believe preparation is the best strategy for avoiding those mistakes and dealing with business losses and insurance claims more efficiently. To that end, you need an easy-access insurance claim checklist ready and available, and in this post, we want to share five of the most important considerations when creating one. That way, when it’s time to file a claim, you’ll be ready.

After reading this article, if you still have [...]

Why Is Your Texas Homeowner’s Insurance Denying Your Claim?

Homeowner Insurance Claims | Insurance Claims

While homeowners carefully choose a policy to ensure financial relief should any damage occur to what is likely their most valuable asset, sometimes all their hard work doesn’t matter. Sometimes, insurers simply don’t hold up their end of the bargain, doing everything in their power to delay or deny claims that should be completely valid.

What far too many people don’t realize is that they don’t have to accept this kind of behavior. There are ways to dispute the settlement that your insurer offers you. You can do this on your own or, if you believe it’s warranted, you have the right to work with a knowledgeable Texas homeowners insurance claims attorney to take legal action against them.

Before doing [...]

Top Reasons Why Texas Homeowners File Insurance Claims

Bad Faith Insurance | Homeowner Insurance Claims | Insurance Claims

Your house is likely your largest and most valuable asset, and chances are you have a homeowners’ insurance policy to protect it.

If you’ve ever filed a claim, however, you may have discovered that your expectations about your insurer didn’t match up with reality. They ignored you. They kept delaying and delaying. They made up an excuse to deny your claim.

It’s an unfortunately reality that many insurers will do whatever they can to avoid paying out, and you have to know the best way to deal with home insurance claims to make sure you don’t become a victim.

Wondering if your situation is even worth filing a claim? Check out these common reasons Texans file home insurance claims:[...]