A company is subject to legal penalties if it fails to settle valid claims promptly and fairly or misrepresents policy provisions. Policyholders who feel treated unfairly may call the Texas Department of Insurance toll-free hurricane hotline. It also is wise to get bids from three contractors on the repair work. If they cannot agree, an umpire makes a final decision that is binding on both the homeowner and insurer. Laws exist to protect consumers from unfair practices in the claims-handling process.
Most companies stop selling or increasing coverage when a storm threatens an area.
After a policy is in force, however, neither the Windpool nor insurance companies may cancel coverage because of an imminent storm.