billion in insured losses were in the wake of Hurricane Ike left.

For more than 30 days since Hurricane Ike hit the Gulf Coast of Texas. In its wake, just as many dollars or more in insured damages caused. The worst damage was inflicted on coastal communities such as Galveston to Bolivar Peninsula and Iceland. But because of the excessive size of the storm was widespread damage over a much larger inland region over the entire area of Houston Sugar Land-Baytown Metropolitan Area added. With an estimated population in the affected area of almost 6 million people, it is easy to imagine how insured losses can mount quickly.

living and working in the Houston area is almost back to normal. The last people I know who do not have electricity, have seen their buying power for almost a week. Portable generators are finally silenced, the long lines at gas stations have disappeared, and although the cleanup continues, nearly all roads free of debris (if we exclude the cells along the borders). For most of us, the worst is over. For others, however, the real headaches start and the insurance for damage to be taken from the cyclone and rejected in an alarming number of cases.

do not be fooled. Avoid

Some insurance companies out of the way, pays the full value of your insurance to submit. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the Louisiana State Attorney General filed a complaint against six large insurance companies including State Farm and Allstate. According to the lawsuit, the insurance policy holders forced into settling their claims for less value. She also claimed that late payments and policyholders forced “to litigate claims to receive full value.” The study was on information on Allstate study for a major consulting firm, was done as suggested, the insurance company to Don of boxing gloves and against those who have not for a few cents on the dollar to determine. A book titled Good Hands to Boxing Gloves tells the story of the now newly yesterday. Or is it?

My own home suffered substantial damage from the hurricane and I am pleased to announce that my own insurance act quickly and in good faith, our homeowners’ insurance claim needs to be paid. But reports claimed wrongly, delays in the processing of claims and unfair settlement offers arising denied. Of course, entrepreneurs and residents who face such problems are frustrated. Fortunately, the law in Texas, a far-reaching protection of policyholders against unfair practices. Unfortunately, some policyholders an idea of what their rights and what protection is available to them under the law.

Prompt payment of insurance benefits

Texas law, in particular the prompt payment of claims under the Texas Insurance Code Act provides a number of deadlines for an insurance company to identify, explore and acceptance or rejection of a claim. Policyholder may not even be aware that if your insurance company fail to meet their obligations on time, they can be held liable for the full amount of the liability and damages, including attorneys’ fees and an additional 18% per year to be the over the air.

* you need: Request

obligations of the insurer />
The following features have been reported to insurance companies after receiving a notice of claim imposed on the receipt. Each claim requires special recognition separately.

* you the receipt or a record date, means and content of the recording, the defendant, if not in writing.

* You must investigate the claim.

* you apply to the claimant, all terms, statements, insurance forms and believes is needed by the applicant. Different applications may be permissible if reasonably necessary, but some additional requests may in certain circumstances constitute a violation of international law.

With few exceptions, must perform these tasks most of the insurers within 15 days of receiving notice of a claim.

Other functions and time

Once the insurer receives all the terms, statements and forms reasonably required by them, they are necessary to accomplish the following functions:

* The insurer must notify the applicant in writing within 15 working days to accept or reject the request. There is an exception permitted if the insurer suspects arson, and the insurer may obtain an extension of 45 days after the deadline.

* If the company rejects the claim, notice of opposition by the cause (s) for rejecting state. accept

* If the insurance company may refuse the request or within the standard, they must notify the applicant and explain why more time is needed.

* Although insurance is a prerequisite for announcing more time, they must accept or reject the application or within the grace period of 45 days.

* If the claim is valid, the insurance company must pay the claim within 60 days of receipt of the items requested by the applicant. This is a clear deadline, and if an insurer does not respond, they are responsible for the plaintiff attorney’s fees and damages of an additional 18% per annum on the amount of the claim.

* The insurer must claim within 5 working days to pay after notifying the applicant that the application be paid.

* If insurance is an act of the claimant a condition of payment, the period of 5 working days will be done after the fact. (Surplus lines insurers have 20 days to fulfill their obligations under both scenarios.)

Get help when you need it.

entrepreneur in Texas and home were enough to survive the impact and consequences of Hurricane Ike. Policyholders who have difficulties because of the unfair practices of their insurers deserve better. If you are treated unfairly by an insurance company, you may be entitled to compensation to be claimed beyond the value of your insurance. Depending on the circumstances, not just your insurance, but also their representatives and agents for unfair settlement practices, misrepresentation, breach of contract or liable other behaviors prohibited by law. They intimidated not to less than full value for your insurance to accept damages from hurricanes. Get help if you have a qualified lawyer with experience in dealing first insurance of civil liability lawsuits.


Houston homeowner insurance