Hurricane Ike Insurance Dispute Information

Galveston residents facing off with mortgage lenders

Published on: March 5, 2009 | By Berniard Law Firm

As if waiting for insurance checks wasn’t enough, residents in Galveston are now being held up by their mortgage lenders. In an article by the Galveston County Daily News, the plight of some homeowners is detailed as mortgage companies try to protect themselves and their investment and residents remain financially trapped.

But almost five months after Hurricane Ike filled the house with nearly 5 feet of salty floodwater, the Lopezes were still waiting for the mortgage company to send them the first installment of funds to go toward repair.

So many storm victims have had similar problems with their lenders that the Texas Legislature’s subcommittee on hurricane recovery has recommended the state start making mortgage banks pay interest to homeowners on any insurance funds held for an unreasonable amount of time.

Texas Insurance Companies Going Under: What to do?

Published on: February 23, 2009 | By Berniard Law Firm

As highlighted in recent articles regarding insurance companies going out of business and leaving policy owners “out in the cold”, it is important to know what to do in the event your policy provider goes out of business.

While making whatever repairs necessary to keep your home in shape, and documenting closely the expenses, it is important to immediately contact the Texas Department of Insurance and find out what is going on with your insurance company. Should your insurance company fail, the Texas Property and Casualty Insurance Guaranty Association is in place to help those policy holders. The Texas Property and Casualty Insurance Guaranty Association can be reached at (512) 345-9335.

It is important in such instances to also receive legal assistance or advice in the event your insurance company will have to be sued to get the claim you deserve.

Governor Perry Urges FEMA Extend Aid Deadline

Published on: February 18, 2009 | By Berniard Law Firm

Texas Governor Rick Perry has requested that FEMA waive or extend the deadline for FEMA aid to those whose lives have been disrupted by Hurricane Ike. KFDM reports:

Gov. Rick Perry has requested the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) waive, or extend for 180 days, the deadline to file proof of loss requirements for flood insurance policyholders whose homes were damaged by Hurricane Ike.

Due to the severity and magnitude of the disaster, FEMA granted an extension of the 60-day proof of loss deadline for flood insurance policyholders. Currently, policyholders are required to file proof of loss by March 12, 2009. An extension would allow Texans the same amount of time to file their claims as was allowed following Hurricane Rita.

“With so many Texas homes suffering flood damage related to Hurricane Ike and so many families who have not yet been able to rebuild, a deadline of March 12 is unrealistic,” Gov. Perry said. “I urge FEMA to waive or extend the deadline so that Texans with flood insurance have adequate time to file their claims.”

This extension would allow for more preparation and recovery for those harmed by the storm and extends the government’s assistance for some time. Insurance companies also have deadlines for their response to homeowner’s claims. It is essential that you make sure your insurance company reaches their deadlines on your Hurricane Ike or other property damage claims.

Galveston’s Slow Return Back

Published on: February 17, 2009 | By Berniard Law Firm

A video making its rounds from CBS chronicles the rebuilding effort going on in Galveston in the wake of Hurricane Ike and is worth a look:

Hurricane Ike FEMA deadline approaching

Published on: February 13, 2009 | By Berniard Law Firm

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s fourth extension of time for individuals in Texas affected by Hurricane Ike created a new deadline of February 20th for claims to be made. This, in light of the fact 90% of applicants who have submitted applications as of late were considered ineligible by FEMA. Texas Governor Rick Perry requested the extension in order to give applicants more time to get their affairs in order and ask the state for assistance.

To apply, go to www.fema.gov or pick up a phone and call 1-800-621-3362.

Thousands of Hurricane Ike Victims Still Without Resolved Claims

Published on: February 9, 2009 | By Berniard Law Firm

While 60 to 80 percent of damage claims have been settled as of December 10, as reported by MSNBC on January 26, thousands of Hurricane Ike victims still have not had their issues resolved. With more and more Texas residents waiting for a response from their insurer, litigation is beginning to be the only option as insurance companies drag their feet to make payouts.

As Texas Insurance Code has time requirements in which residents are guaranteed prompt action from the insurance company, specific legal ramifications exist to compensate the insured when the policy provider fails to assist in a timely manner. The Texas Department of Insurance is looking into mediation programs that mirror those in Florida, Mississippi and Louisiana as a manner of third party resolution. However nothing is certain at this time.

What is certain, however, is that Hurricane Ike victims need assistance and need it now. Insurance companies often stall or delay claim proceedings in order to make policy holders feel “grateful” when the payment finally does arrive. This payment, though, oftentimes is inadequate and not the compensation they deserve. By having an attorney look into their claim and the process it has taken up to this moment, those individuals that were affected by Hurricane Ike can be ahead of the curve if or when litigation is necessary.

Ike Victims in Texas Possibly Eligible for Extra Coverage

Published on: January 25, 2009 | By Berniard Law Firm

Good news for some of those people who were hit hard by Ike:

Texas Ike victims may be eligible for additional coverage

NAMIC DAILYLEAD | 01/26/2009