Those affected by Hurricane Harvey may recall the massive and widespread flooding, tornado bursts, and extreme wind speeds reaching 130 mph or higher. To many, it is an overwhelming and still very present memory. Were you affected by Harvey? Hurricane Harvey hit Texas on August 25, 2017, as a Category 4 hurricane and caused widespread destruction throughout the greater Houston area and surrounding counties. Harvey’s one-year anniversary is around the corner and for some, that means the deadline to file your claim with your insurance provider is almost here.
What does this mean for you? It means you must report your Harvey claim to your insurance carrier before the one-year anniversary date or else you lose your ability to report it to the carrier. You must first report your claim to the carrier prior to pursuing other avenues of recourse, including litigation. Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) claims must be reported to the carrier before the one-year anniversary from the date the damage occurred—unless the insured can show good cause for the delay.
Not all insurance policies have a one-year deadline to report a claim. Review your policy in its entirety to ensure you understand your obligations and duties under the contract. If you need additional information, check the Texas Department of Insurance website. As always, contact a trusted insurance attorney or professional for additional advice or to answer questions you may have.