Winter Storm Claims 2021

As the state of Texas continues to thaw from severe winter weather, including snow, ice, and freezing temperatures, insurers face alarming numbers of claim filings. The Insurance Information Institute estimated $2.1 billion in insured damages from winter storms in 2019, projected to reach $19 billion in 2021.

The good news is that most insurance policies cover damage caused by snow and ice. However, it can be tricky to understand your policy and prevent disputes between insurance carriers and policyholders about what an insurance policy covers and what is excluded.

"Our advice," says Scott Friedson, CEO of Insurance Claim Recovery Support, "is to review your insurance policy to determine your specific coverage. Some areas of damages often covered by residential or commercial property insurance policies due to snow and freezing ice conditions may include water damage, pipe bursts, business interruption, building or roof collapse, and ice dams."

Virtually every Texas region has been hit, which could make it the most costly storm in U.S. history. "The truth about insurance claims," said Friedson, Public Insurance Adjuster, with over a decade of experience settling large loss insurance claims, "is that policyholders bear the burden of proving their claim while insurers must in good faith compensate the insured. You can hope, or you can plan, but either way, your insurance company's representatives will adjust your claim if you have a claim.

At the beginning of the claim process, engaging a trustworthy home insurance attorney can make a big difference.