What’s NOT covered under your standard Texas homeowners’ insurance?
Houston, TX - When you buy a new home, the bank will require you to purchase homeowners’ insurance, too. You’ll do that gladly, especially after the very nice guy from the insurance company told you that you won’t have to worry about a thing, come hell or high water. Actually, there’s no mention of hell in a standard policy, but you’d better pray your house is not damaged by high water. Your policy doesn’t cover high water or flooding. The insurance guy probably didn’t talk much about what is not covered. You can find most of the perils that are not covered in the so-called exclusions. Most people don’t bother to read the fine print, but they will become acquainted with the term exclusion in the most painful way - when their insurance claim is denied.
The moment you receive a denial letter contact the best Houston insurance claims lawyers you can find. Have them read your policy and the denial letter and they will tell you if the insurer’s decision is justified or not.
Basic perils covered under a standard Texas homeowners insurance policy
Most home insurance policies you can buy in Texas will cover perils such as fire, lightning, explosion, accidental overflow from plumbing or sprinklers, damage caused by vehicles or aircraft, smoke, vandalism, theft, ice or snow damage, and frozen pipes.
Common exclusions in a typical home insurance policy
Now let’s have a look at the things you never knew were not covered by your precious insurance policy.
Your standard Texas insurance policy doesn’t cover damages caused by perils such as:
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earth movements (earthquakes, sinkholes, or landslides)
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water damage caused by floods or sewer back-ups
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damage resulting from a power failure;
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damages from neglect
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loss to property because of bad repairs or poor workmanship
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damages from war or nuclear hazard
What to do if your claim is denied for lack of coverage?
While an earthquake or nuclear war may not be your immediate concern, leaks and poor maintenance should be. These are some of the most common reasons insurance claims get denied in Texas.
Take, for instance, a severe winter weather episode. If your pipes freeze and then start leaking, any damage to the structure of your home or the things in your basement should be covered. However, the insurance adjuster may claim that it was an old problem and the pipe may have been leaking for months. How can you prove them wrong? Talk to seasoned Texas homeowners insurance claim denials lawyers and they’ll put you in touch with independent adjusters who can offer a second opinion.
As for poor maintenance or neglect, these pretexts can be used as an excuse to deny all sorts of claims. As an example, if your roof is damaged during a storm, the insurance adjuster will want to know when did you last repair it. They’ll want to see the bills and they may accuse you of using some shady crew who did a very poor job. It’s your fault you didn’t use better-qualified roofers.
Do not fall for such tricks. Let experienced homeowners insurance claim denials lawyers deal with the insurance adjuster.
Insurance companies do have the right to investigate a claim thoroughly, but when they start using pretexts that’s called bad faith, and you can sue them for such practices.
If the insurance company is trying to delay, undervalue or deny your claim, reach out to a trustworthy insurance claims attorney at McClenny, Moseley & Associates, PLLC in Houston. They’ll help you deal with the insurance company and get the settlement you deserve.
Contact info:
McClenny, Moseley & Associates, PLLC
1415 Louisiana St., Suite 2900
Houston, Texas 77002
Toll-Free: 844 662 7552
