Hurricane Damage Insurance Claim Attorney
South Texas and the Rio Grande Valley are in the direct path of Gulf Coast hurricanes and tropical storms. These claims are among the most complex — and the most frequently disputed. We help property owners fight back.
No out-of-pocket fees unless recovery is made. Se Habla Español.
How We Help
Hurricane and Tropical Storm Damage Claims in South Texas
Hurricane and tropical storm damage claims involve some of the most complex insurance coverage disputes in South Texas. When a major storm hits, insurers face enormous claim volumes — and they have financial incentives to minimize payments. Common tactics include separating wind damage from flood damage, applying high named-storm deductibles, and disputing the cause of damage to reduce or deny claims.
South Texas property owners often face the additional challenge of dealing with multiple policies — a homeowners or commercial property policy for wind damage and a separate flood policy for water damage. When insurers disagree about which policy covers which damage, property owners can be caught in the middle.
Michael R. De Leon helps South Texas homeowners and business owners navigate hurricane damage claims — reviewing your policies, the adjuster's findings, and your contractor's estimates to identify where the insurance company fell short and what can be done about it.
Know Your Rights
Common Insurance Company Tactics
Insurance companies use these tactics to reduce or deny valid claims. Knowing what to look for is the first step.
Wind vs. Flood Disputes
Insurers argue that damage was caused by flood (excluded under wind policy) rather than wind to limit coverage.
Named Storm Deductibles
Applying high percentage-based deductibles that dramatically reduce the net payment on hurricane claims.
Cause of Loss Disputes
Disputing whether damage was caused by the storm or by pre-existing conditions or deferred maintenance.
Low Adjuster Estimates
Post-hurricane estimates that don't reflect the actual cost of materials and labor in a disaster-affected market.
Delayed Inspections
Slow response times after major storms that leave property owners waiting for months.
Partial Payments
Issuing partial payments and pressuring property owners to accept them as full settlement.
Our Review Process
What We Look for in Your Claim
FAQ
Common Questions
My insurer says my hurricane damage is from flooding, not wind. What can I do?
Wind vs. flood disputes are extremely common in hurricane claims. If wind caused or contributed to the damage — including by creating openings that allowed water to enter — you may have a valid claim under your wind policy. We can review the facts, the adjuster's findings, and your policy to determine whether the wind/flood separation was properly applied.
What is a named storm deductible?
A named storm deductible is a separate, higher deductible that applies when damage is caused by a named tropical storm or hurricane. It is typically expressed as a percentage of your home's insured value — often 2% to 5% — which can amount to thousands of dollars. We can review whether the named storm deductible was properly applied to your claim.
Can I still file a claim if the hurricane happened months ago?
Possibly, but time limits apply. Texas law and your policy both impose deadlines on claims and disputes. Contact us as soon as possible to understand your options.
Do you handle commercial hurricane damage claims?
Yes. We represent business owners and commercial property owners with hurricane damage claims, including business interruption disputes. Commercial hurricane claims often involve complex policy language and significant financial stakes.
Related Practice Areas
Before You Settle, Know Your Rights.
Get a free claim review from Michael R. De Leon. No out-of-pocket fees unless a recovery is made. Serving all of South Texas and the Rio Grande Valley.
Not sure if you have a case? Start with a free review. Se Habla Español.