Whether your commercial insurance covers damage caused by high winds or wind-related events depends on your policy’s language. Wind damage is not always a covered peril in commercial insurance. A Corpus Christi wind damage claim lawyer can identify the coverage your policy provides. They can also describe the limitations of a commercial property insurance policy if your business property is in a high-risk area, like the Texas coast.
A commercial property damage claim can be complicated, but you do not have to navigate yours alone. A lawyer can clarify Texas laws, commercial insurance regulations, and their impact on your insurance claim. With a free claim evaluation from a law firm in your area, you can learn more about whether your commercial insurance policy covers wind damage and your rights as a policyholder.
Let a Local Commercial Insurance Claims Attorney Examine Your Policy
No two commercial properties are identical, and neither are their insurance policies, so the best way to understand the coverage and limitations of your policy is by letting a Corpus Christi commercial insurance claims lawyer review yours. Its details can provide the insight you need to understand the coverage it provides.
An attorney can clarify the specifics of your commercial property insurance policy, including:
- When wind damage is and is not covered
- Which real estate and inventory damages are covered
- How your insurance company accepts and responds to claims
The type of commercial property you own will also play a significant role in your claim since commercial properties can include housing, retail, and restaurant establishments. A lawyer can help you define your property and document its wind damage. This matters since wind damage can lead to other types of damage (fire, water, etc.) based on the property type and its contents.
Special Considerations for Commercial Properties on the Texas Coast
In addition to standard insurance coverage, commercial property owners can purchase a specific windstorm insurance policy. These policies cover wind damage caused by “acts of God,” such as tornadoes and hurricanes.
Inform your Corpus Christi insurance claims lawyer about any windstorm policies or other coverage options you have that might provide compensation.
We have offices in Houston, Corpus Christi, and Victoria; and will travel to any corner of Texas if we are capable of preventing an injustice.
Strong Winds Can Cause Significant Damage to Commercial Properties
Commercial property owners can file wind damage claims for multiple reasons. Wind damage claims can include compensation requests for more than one area of your property, including:
- Wind-related window damage or loss
- Damage caused by wind-strewn objects
- Downed phone and power lines
- Clogged or downed gutters and spouts
- Roof damage, including total destruction
The National Weather Service classifies the potential danger of high winds as follows:
- Moderate (wind speeds up to 39 mph) posing a heightened risk to people and property
- High (wind speeds up to 57 mph) posing a serious threat to life and property
- Extreme (wind speeds over 58 mph) posing an intense danger to life and property
Hurricanes, tornadoes, thunderstorms, and other severe weather events can cause extensive damage. Carefully document the damaging event and the damage to your business property. If you have a Corpus Christi property insurance claims lawyer, they will do this for you and define your coverage options based on the type of policy or policies you purchased to protect your business.
Financial Compensation for a Commercial Insurance Wind Damage Claim
Some forms of compensation for wind damage are relatively straightforward, such as damaged or broken windows or missing roof tiles. You could also be entitled to other (sometimes less obvious) forms of wind-related damage, including:
Commercial insurance policies typically provide coverage for:
- Damage to your primary building and outbuildings
- Damage to interior and exterior inventory and equipment
- Approved temporary repairs that mitigate additional damage
Document all the costs you incur to secure and protect your property. When investigating your business insurance claim, the insurance adjuster will assess your actual property damage.
The Benefits of Hiring a Lawyer for Your Commercial Wind Damage Claim
Commercial property damage claims can be complex. If you choose an attorney to represent you, they can handle all the legal and insurance matters related to your claim, so you can focus on rebuilding your business. They can report your claim to the insurer in a timely fashion, build a solid claim, and negotiate for the best possible settlement on your behalf.
Your Lawyer Can Gather Evidence and Compile Documentation
Submitting a comprehensive and accurate claim can help streamline the claims filing process. If you have an attorney, they can:
- Comply with filing deadlines
- Delve into your policy to understand its time limits and additional protocols
- Submit a well-documented claim, including the required Proof of Loss statement
When the adjuster examines your property and inventory, your lawyer can accompany them to ensure they accurately document and categorize the damage to your property.
Your Attorney Can Communicate With the Insurance Carrier and Adjuster
Filing an insurance claim involves extensive back-and-forth communication and paperwork, including the following:
- Claim forms
- Photo evidence
- Bills and receipts
- Adjuster reports
Your claim could also require official reports related to the wind damage, including weather, police, fire, etc. If you have a lawyer, they will investigate and compile all relevant reports on your behalf.
Your Attorney Can Guide You Through Appeals and Bad Faith Claims
Your insurance provider must handle your commercial claim in a fair, timely, and aboveboard manner. When they do not, your Corpus Christi bad faith insurance claim lawyer can identify any bad faith insurance tactics that marred your claim (according to Texas Insurance Statutes 542.003) and describe the legal actions you can take.
If the insurer denied your initial claim, an attorney can also help you file an effective appeal with additional evidence supporting it.
Representing the injured in all areas of Texas that extends back over 40 years
Get Legal Support for Your Commercial Insurance Wind Damage Claim
Severe winds can cause physical damage to your commercial property that has a corresponding financial impact on your business. Our client-focused law firm can help you seek fair compensation from your commercial insurance company.
Find out if your commercial insurance policy covers wind damage with a free claim review. Get yours today by contacting our consultation team at Carrigan & Anderson, PLLC.
At Carrigan & Anderson, PLLC we can talk to you about your options and rights.
