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INSTRUCTIONS FOR INSURANCE CLAIM AFTER STORM

1.    Contact your agent and follow the proper procedures for claim adjustment.

2.    Contact the Texas Department of Insurance to make sure inspectors are available when repairs are made. The consumer help line is 800-252-3439.

      Remember your insurance policy requires you to make necessary, temporary repairs to avoid further damage to your property. You should, however, take care that these repairs are not so extensive that a claims adjuster will have difficulty determining the scope of damage or loss.

Talk to your agent before making even temporary repairs. Make notes each time you talk to someone in case there are questions when it comes time to settle your claim. When practical, document your loss with photos before making any repairs.

What Does Texas Law Govern?

      If you own property in one of the 14 Texas counties along the Gulf of Mexico (includes Galveston County), you many have purchased windstorm insurance on your home or business through the Texas Catastrophe Property Insurance Association, also called "Catpool."

      To qualify for coverage through the "Catpool", all new structures and additions or repairs to existing structures (including re-roofs) must be inspected to be sure they are constructed to resist damage by strong winds. The requirement was enacted by the Texas Legislature in 1987 to control losses due to hurricanes.

      Do not confuse the state inspection program with the steps you need to take after you have a loss. To qualify for insurance through the Catpool, all homes, offices, apartments or other buildings constructed, repaired or added to after Jan. 1, 1988, must have been inspected and found to be in compliance with standards for wind resistant construction. Older structures continue to be eligible for insurance coverage through the Catpool as long as any repairs or remodels are inspected and have been certified.

When Is the Inspection Made?

      It is important for the inspection to be made during construction or repair. Inspections conducted after the work is finished cost more money because of the added expense of exposing structural components for inspection and replacing those that fail to meet standards.

When Is An Inspection Needed?

      Obviously, some kinds of repairs may be minor or involve only small parts of the building, making full inspection and compliance inappropriate. The Texas Department of Insurance has developed information to assist you in determining when the planned improvement or repair is so limited that an inspection is unnecessary. To obtain a copy call 512-322-2203.

Who Makes the Inspection?

      Construction and repair work must be inspected by an inspector from the Texas Department of Insurance, or by a registered Texas Professional Engineer.

      Inspectors from the Texas Department of Insurance will inspect all non-engineered structures and are available within 48 hours (excluding weekends and state holidays). To assure quick response, seven field offices are located along the Texas Coast.

      What Do They Look For?

      Depending on whether you are building from the foundation up or adding on, four inspections may be needed:

.     Foundation: Inspectors check for reinforcement and bolt tie downs on slab-foundations. Pier and beam foundations are checked up to and including floor joists. Piling foundations are inspected for proper piling type, size, spacing, and depth of embedment.

.     Rough Framing: Framing, bracing, rafter and stud anchorage and roof decking are all inspected after they are in place but before any interior finishing.

.     Final Framing: Before any finishing trim is nailed in place, inspectors look at the roof covering and exterior finish to make sure they are installed properly.

.     Mechanical: Unless outside mechanical equipment is in place when the final framing inspection is conducted, it may be necessary for inspectors to return a fourth time to make sure this type of equipment is secure.

What Building Standards Apply?

      If your property is located seaward of the Intercoastal Waterway, the building must meet specifications adopted by the Catpool and published as the "Building Code for Wind Resistant Construction". Property located inland of the waterway must comply with the wind load requirements in the Standard Building Code as amended on May 8, 1973. The Texas Department of Insurance also publishes "A Windstorm Resistant Construction Guide" which outlines all of the recommended construction methods.

How Do I Apply?

      If you plan to build, add to or repair a structure, either you or your builder should notify the Texas Department of Insurance right away. You can use Form WPI-1 or send a letter that gives the location of the property owner, builder/contractor, insurance agent, engineer, name of the contact person and description of the building and type of construction. Send the notice to the Windstorm Inspection Program. Your application will be assigned a file number. The number will be sent to you along with the information on how to request inspections using the agency's toll free line.

You or your builder should contact the department each time an inspection is needed for a new phase of construction. Be sure to have your file number handy to speed up the process.

How Much Do the Inspections Cost?

      The cost for inspection of a new structure (foundation, framing, final framing, and mechanical) is $100 payable in advance. Inspections of additions to existing structures cost $35, also payable in advance. There will be no fee for inspections of repairs. Payments must be made by check or money order payable to the Texas Department of Insurance. All or part of the cost may be waived if inspections are conducted by a registered Texas Professional Engineer.

What if the Inspector Finds Deficiencies?

      If the structure does not comply with applicable standards, the inspector will post notice at the job site describing problems that have been identified and corrections needed to bring the structure into compliance. Inspectors will return to the job site after you notify them that the problems have been corrected.

What Happens After An Inspection?

      After inspections are complete and any applicable fees paid, The Texas Department of Insurance will issue a Certificate of Compliance (Form WPI-8), making your building eligible for insurance through Catpool. You should keep the certificate on file with your deed and other important papers so it can be transferred to subsequent owners if you sell your property.