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SOUTHEAST TEXAS RECORD

Friday, March 29, 2024

Overnight storms lead to thousands of wind-related claims

Insurance 11

DALLAS - After Sunday’s severe thunderstorms and damaging winds, thousands of Texans are reporting wind-related claims in areas extending from Dallas through south central Texas.

Multiple areas of the state reported near hurricane-force winds and at least one tornado touched down in Copperas Cove, near Killeen, causing moderate damage. There were also reports of hail in several areas including Dallas, Fredericksburg, Llano, and Bastrop.

Homeowners and businesses are cleaning up after the damaging straight-line winds and heavy rain knocked down trees, damaged roofs, and in the most severe example of wind related damage, toppled a crane in Dallas causing one death and multiple injuries, according to an Insurance Council of Texas press release.

According to various insurance company sources, before sunrise this morning, there have already been reports of more than 3,000 wind-related claims and many more are expected.

In order to begin the post-storm recovery process, ICT urges residents to document any property damage with video or photographs and contact their insurance agent or company as quickly as possible.  .

In addition, ICT offers these tips on what to do after a storm:

- Make temporary repairs to avoid additional damage to your property;

- Inspect, assess, and note the damage to your property. Take photos or video to record the damage and share with your insurance adjuster; 

- Contact your insurance company/agent. The sooner you can contact your insurer, the sooner an insurance adjuster can arrive to begin assessing damage and start the recovery process;

- Seek local recommendations for any repair contractors and ask questions of any door-to-door solicitors;

- Make note of all communications, dates, phone calls, visits, receipts, repairs and paper work with your insurer and building contractor; and

- Get more than one written estimate when hiring a repair contractor. Never pay a contractor in full or sign a certificate of completion until the work is finished. Never let a contractor discourage you from contacting your insurance company.

You can find additional information on storm response and other weather information at insurancecouncil.org/springstorms.

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