Although winter storms in Katy, Texas typically do not produce the significant snowfalls experienced by our neighbors to the north, high winds and other inclement weather events can have a serious impact on homes and cars in our area. Texas is rated second in the nation in terms of property damage caused by severe weather and natural events; the state is estimated to have incurred $23.7 billion in damages between 2006 and 2013. Protecting against these threats by working with your local Katy home owners insurance agency can ensure that you are financially covered against losses due to damage caused by wind, rain and other inclement weather conditions. Here are some helpful steps to follow if your property has been damaged by winter storms.

Contact the Professionals

Reporting any damage to your vehicles or home to your Katy auto insurance company immediately can get the process started for receiving your settlement. You will need to provide your policy number and a brief description of the damages. In most cases, your insurance company will send an adjuster to assess the extent of damage done to your car, home or other insured property. Working closely with your insurance agent can speed the processing of your claim to return your property to its original condition.

Document the Damage

Photographing or video recording any damages to your home, fence, outbuildings or vehicles can provide added support for your insurance claim. Close-up shots can be especially useful in helping adjusters determine the dollar value of damage or the potential repair costs associated with restoring your property to its previous condition. If any issues arise during the insurance claim or settlement process, this documentation can help you support your position in the ensuing negotiations.

Mitigate Further Damage

Making temporary repairs while you wait for the insurance determination can help you avoid added damage and can protect your vehicle and home from weather and intruders. While it is best to hold off on any permanent repairs until you have reached an agreement with your insurance company regarding your settlement amount, taking steps to mitigate the damage can help you avoid even greater costs later on.

Keep Meticulous Records

Saving and storing all receipts related to your insurance claim is highly recommended to ensure that they are considered when you receive compensation for your expenses. Providing copies of this information to your insurance agent can help support your claim to the assigned adjusters. Additionally, any expenses not recovered may be eligible to be claimed as a casualty loss deduction on your income taxes. Keeping accurate and complete records of all costs associated with your claim can reduce the financial impact of damage caused by winter storms.

Special Notes for Auto Accidents

Winter weather conditions can sometimes be contributing factors in causing auto accidents. If you are involved in an auto accident, you should first call the police to come to the scene. Exchanging names, telephone numbers, driver’s license numbers and insurance information with the other driver is usually the next step in the process. Be sure to take down the license plate number, make and model of the other vehicle involved and to report the events that led up to and caused the accident as accurately as possible both to your insurance agent and to the police. Contacting your insurance company as quickly as possible after the accident can help you reduce the time needed to obtain a settlement for your claim.

Companies that specialize in Katy car insurance and home owners insurance can provide you with the support you need to manage costs and damages resulting from severe weather. By working with these trained professionals, you can achieve a fair settlement that allows you to recover more quickly from the surprises that Mother Nature has in store.

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