The rules and definitions vary from insurer to insurer. The exact definition of “Act of God” may vary from one insurer to another. Certain events are covered or not.

Before making any decisions, it’s best to consult a professional lawyer. A property damage attorney in Houston, for example, can help you better understand your situation and determine what your options are and the expected procedures.

The Definition of HTML0

We need to first define an act of God. A God-act is any event outside of human control. Like a natural catastrophe, it’s unpredictable and unpreventable. Hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, wildfires, hail, etc. These are some of the most common acts of God which can cause significant damage to property.

Terms used to describe an Act Of God vary from one policy to another and from insurer to insurer. It’s therefore important to understand exactly what the term means for your situation.

Check your insurance policy

Check your homeowners insurance policy to see if an event is covered. Standard homeowners insurance policies only cover certain Acts Of God, including hurricanes and tornadoes.

In most cases, these insurances do not cover damage caused by floods or earthquakes. Homeowners in these situations will need to purchase separate insurance for floods and earthquakes to cover those types of losses.

Check and double-check the insurance policy in order to understand what an Act of God is and which natural disasters or events are covered. There may be some variation in coverage depending on the severity of a disaster. For example, some policies cover damages caused by a certain tier of hurricane damage.

It is important that you understand all of this before calling the insurance company. If you don’t follow the correct channels, and do your homework, it is easy to have your claim denied.

How to File a Claim

It’s now time to make a claim. You should file your claim as soon as you can, as it may take some time for the insurer to process.

Please provide accurate information about the damage you have suffered. Please provide accurate and detailed information regarding the damage that you have suffered. Include any related expenses, such as repairs or purchases you made to prevent further damage.

This is the general procedure for filing a claim at an insurance provider.

1. 
   Notify your insurer in good time. Insurance policies often have time limits for reporting damages, so you need to be quick.
   
2. 
   Document the extent of damage before making any repairs or modifications. Create an inventory and take pictures or videos of any damage.
   
3. 
   Review your insurance policy carefully to understand coverage and exclusions relating to Acts Of God.
   
4. 
   Our insurance provider will send you a form to complete. Please provide accurate and detailed details about the damage, its cause and the affected items.
   
5. 
   Documentation supporting the claim must be submitted with the claim form. Included in this can be pictures, videos and receipts. As long as the documents are from reputable and professional sources, they can be used to validate your claim.
   
6. 
   Do not hesitate to negotiate if the first settlement offer made by your insurer is inadequate.
   
7. 
   If your case is complex, you may benefit from the services of a public adjuster and/or a lawyer who specializes in property damage claims.
   

Pay close attention to the details and do not back down from further negotiations if you feel you aren’t being fairly compensated.

Meeting With an Adjuster

You’ll likely be sent an adjuster by your insurer to determine how much compensation you are entitled to. You should be honest and open about the damages and expenses. The adjustors are likely to have seen similar damages countless times and should therefore be treated with care.

They have a good idea of how much damage you’ve suffered, and they will also be familiar with the compensation procedures or other aspects of your case.

You should cooperate with the adjuster and allow them access to your home. Discuss the extent of damage and cost of repairs. The adjustor or insurance company may also give their estimates, but it is always good to consult a third-party.

Get estimates from contractors and repair professionals who are reputable to find out the cost of replacing or repairing the damaged property.

It might be a good idea to contact a lawyer on your side at this stage. You can find lawyers who specialize in various areas. For example, you might want to look for hail damage attorneys in Texas, or fire insurance claim lawyers, depending on what kind of damage has occurred.

Wrapping Up

If you’ve tried everything else and the insurance company refuses to pay what you deserve and acts against your interests, it is recommended that you contact a lawyer for bad faith insurance and see what your options are.