Does Commercial Insurance Cover Hurricane Damage?

While many commercial insurance policies include coverage for hurricane damage, whether you have compensation options depends on the policy you purchased. Many claim-specific details, such as deductibles, exclusions, and limitations, may apply. If your commercial property insurance offers coverage for hurricane damage, you should get what you paid for. Unfortunately, not all insurance companies follow the rules when processing claims in good faith. 

If you’re a business owner who is having problems receiving fair compensation after a hurricane damaged or destroyed your business property, you may benefit from working with a property insurance claim lawyer in Corpus Christi. They can evaluate your claim’s details and fight for damages from the liable insurer. 

You Could Have Commercial Insurance Coverage for Hurricane Damage

The extent of your commercial insurance coverage depends on the terms of your specific policy. As a business owner, you could recover: 

• Property damage expenses: Including financial losses incurred because of damage to the physical structure of your business and its contents caused by flood damage or wind damage associated with the hurricane
• Business interruption coverage: Coverage for lost income and operational expenses if your business must close temporarily due to hurricane damage
• Mitigation expenses: Costs incurred in taking preventive measures to protect your property from further damage post-hurricane, like boarding up windows or using tarps to cover roof damage
• Relocation costs: To cover associated expenses if your business must move to a new location temporarily or permanently
• Other ongoing expenses related to the hurricane damage

As noted, be aware of policy exclusions, deductibles, and restrictions that might affect your financial recovery options. 

Policy Specifics: Acts of God Are Generally Not Covered

The term “acts of God” refers to natural disasters beyond human control, and some policies include hurricanes under this umbrella. However, other policies might not automatically cover such events, requiring separate coverage or an add-on. Consulting with a hurricane insurance claims lawyer can provide clarity on these matters.

You May Have a Limited Time to Access Your Coverage Options

It’s crucial to understand the difference between the statute of limitations for filing a civil lawsuit and your insurance provider’s deadline for claim submission. Your insurance company will outline the deadline for submitting your claim. It could be anywhere from a few weeks to a few years. 

In Texas, the deadline for filing a property damage-related lawsuit is generally two years, per Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003. Litigation generally isn’t necessary for property damage claims. However, your lawyer may keep this an option if the insurer refuses to negotiate in good faith or breaches the terms of your contractual agreement. 

Complying with all case-related deadlines is vital. When you hire a lawyer, they can clarify your case’s deadlines and pursue fair compensation for your property’s damage.

The Insurance Company May Employ Bad-Faith Insurance Practices

Even if you have sufficient commercial insurance to cover your business’s damage, the insurance company may intentionally stall, derail, or deny your claim. Some signs that the insurance company isn’t processing your case in good faith include: 

• Unreasonable delays: Taking an excessive amount of time to investigate, process, or pay a claim without a valid reason
• Denial of claim without justification: Refusing to pay a claim without providing a reasonable explanation
• Lowball offers: Offering significantly less money than the claim is worth to settle the matter quickly and cheaply
• Misrepresentation of policy terms: Providing misleading or false information to confuse you intentionally
• Failure to communicate: Not responding to claims or inquiries promptly, leaving the claimant in the dark about their claim’s status
• Refusal to investigate: Failing to properly investigate a claim or gather necessary information to assess the claim’s validity

Your hurricane damage lawyer will rely on their experience and understanding of civil procedure to help you fight for fair compensation. 

What Post-Hurricane Considerations Could Benefit Your Hurricane Damage Claim?

The following considerations could streamline your commercial damage claim after an adverse weather event. If possible, you should: 

• Act promptly to prevent additional damage to your business. Commercial property policies typically don’t cover post-event damage. Hence, it’s advisable to secure your property against further harm by boarding up broken windows, installing dehumidifiers to combat mold growth, and putting tarps on the roof. 
• Document the extent of the damage. Take detailed photographs and video footage of the damaged areas of the building, both inside and outside your business, as well as any damaged or destroyed items. This detailed record is pivotal for your insurance claim’s success.
• Conduct a thorough review of your commercial property insurance policy. Gaining a clear understanding of what your policy covers, including the deductibles, limits of coverage, and any specific exclusions, is critical. These insights will clarify the potential compensation you’re eligible for.
• Save all receipts related to the hurricane’s damage. These receipts include those for urgent repair work to minimize additional damage and for any expenses incurred if the damage renders your business operations temporarily non-viable. These receipts may be eligible for reimbursement based on your policy’s terms.

Also, notify your insurance provider about the tornado damage promptly. Doing so establishes a formal record of the hurricane and the damage it inflicted. 

How You Benefit from Hiring a Property Damage Lawyer

After your commercial property sustains damage, the complexities of filing a claim can be overwhelming. A lawyer who focuses on property insurance claims can: 

• Collect your case’s evidence: You need solid evidence to create a comprehensive claim and compel damages from the liable insurer. This information can include receipts, bills, and invoices related to your commercial property’s damage.
• File your claim within the appropriate deadline: As noted, you must file your claim and/or lawsuit within the applicable timeframe. Otherwise, the insurance company has no obligation to pay for your losses. 
• Evaluate your insurance policy: It’s easy to get caught up in insurance jargon and language. Our team will review your insurance policy and ensure you understand what you’re entitled to recover. 

Your attorney can also negotiate with the insurer, combat any claim denials, and litigate your claim, if necessary. 

Start Your Free Hurricane Property Damage Consultation with Carrigan & Anderson, PLLC

Don’t let insurance complexities hinder your business’s future. Carrigan & Anderson, PLLC is prepared to hold the liable insurance company responsible for what you’re entitled to receive. Contact us for a free consultation to explore your options and begin the path to restoration.