The Texas Senate recently gave House Bill 1774 final approval and the bill is on the way to Governor Abbot’s desk. The legislation curtails the ability of policyholders to sue insurance companies over property claims following extreme weather events.
 
Abbott supports the bill from atop the hill, claiming that it is essential for tort reform and to decrease the number of hailstorm lawsuits being filed by policyholders against insurance companies. If signed by Abbott, the bill will go into effect on 1 September, 2017.
 
Our understanding is that the bill will allow insurance companies an additional thirty days to delay or deny claims. It will also put constraints on policyholders concerning lawsuits against insurance companies; the cases will likely be forced to a federal level and suspected to take double the time of a state court.
 
The following are suggestions to help ensure a smooth claims process:
 
            Make sure your home/business is adequately covered with a reputable insurance
            company. We know the good, the bad, and the ugly in the industry and offer honest and
            professional references.
 
Contact Morgan Elite Specialist Services. We are a third party team of licensed and experienced public adjusters who will tell it to you straight.  We give comprehensive proof of any findings and have extensive knowledge of insurance policies and the claims process.  If you do not have a claim, no harm, no foul. If you do have a claim, however,  we can represent you from start to finish with no worries!
 
While too soon to say, House Bill 1774 could do more harm than good. Our team of dedicated public adjusters take pride in serving the community and are here for you. Give us a call and let us help!
 
To read the bill in its entirety, please visit:
ftp://ftp.legis.state.tx.us/bills/85R/billtext/html/house_bills/HB01700_HB01799/HB01774S.htm    
 
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​Hurricane season is less than a month away. In fact, for those living along the Gulf and East coast, it is practically knocking on the front door! Over the past few months, we have discussed typical weather patterns associated with hurricane season such as high winds, severe storms, hail, etc. Here are three conditions associated with hurricanes that may catch you unaware:
 
            1. Rip Currents:  According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
                (NOAA), “Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water that are
                prevalent along the East, Gulf, and West coasts of the U.S., as well as along the shores
                of the Great Lakes.” Before you head to the beach, check the weather forecast for
                any changes in gulf weather activity.
 
          2. Storm Surges: Sources at AccuWeather state that hurricanes can cause unprecedented    
            sea water levels in areas within close proximity to the storm. NOAA confirms that                  
              “Many of Hurricane Katrina’s 1,500 victims died as a direct or indirect result of storm
             surge.” If you live near the coast, it is crucial to have an emergency plan and                                        
               evacuation route

            3. Tornadoes: It is hard to believe that along with everything else, tornadoes also happen
                during hurricanes. Dan Kottlowski, senior meteorologist at AccuWeather, explains:     
             
                        “Some of the most powerful winds inside of hurricanes are created by tornadoes.                         
                        Though relatively weak and short-lived, these tornadoes can still cause severe    
                       destruction. On average, about 20 percent of all tornadoes that are caused in a                               
                       given year are caused by hurricanes making landfall over the United States.                               
                        Whenever a hurricane makes landfall, usually it’s what we call the right front                        
                        quadrant that’s most likely to produce the most tornadoes. Hurricanes can         
                        produce tornado outbreaks during the initial storm and for days afterward. In
                        2004, Hurricane Ivan spawned a total of 120 tornadoes during its lifetime.”
 
Nature is truly amazing, powerful, and unpredictable. We hope this information inspires those affected by hurricane season to be mindful of their surroundings and take precautions for the upcoming season. Please remember the importance of preparing an emergency plan and evacuation route to help keep you and your loved ones safe.
 
Ensure your insurance policy adequately covers any possible damages sustained by a hurricane.  Morgan Elite Specialist Services is a team of certified and professional public adjusters looking out for your best interests. If you have any questions or concerns about your insurance policy or have damage to your home warranting a claim, we are happy to assist! Consultations and inspections are always free of charge.
 
 
 
 
Sources: 
 
US Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. "What is a rip current?" NOAA's National Ocean Service. N.p., 12 May 2009. Web. 15 May 2017.
 
5 deadliest hurricane-related dangers. (n.d.). Retrieved May 15, 2017, from http://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/5-of-the-deadliest-hurricane-dangers/70001646

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Texas Legislature recently introduced House Bill 3293 for consideration. While only just presented, this bill is gaining a lot of positive attention. According to Watchdog, the plan calls for a voluntary certification for any roofers who could register with the state. It wouldn't apply to new home construction or planned remodeling jobs, only to those roofers who swoop in during emergency situations, like after hail or high winds. Homeowners would use the state-created certification list as a starting point to find an honest company.

Here are some key points of the bill which are anticipated to begin in 2018:

• Prior to getting a license, roofers will be required to provide proof of General Liability Insurance and prove their ability to conduct business in the state of Texas. This will help consumers to know that roofers with a license have been deemed fiscally responsible.

• Licenses will need to be renewed yearly with continued proof of the above mentioned insurance.

• If a licensed roofer is found guilty of deceptive trade practices, the license will be revoked. Hopefully, the ‘bad apples’ of the industry will be weeded out!

• Once licensed by the state of Texas, roofers will be allowed to legally advertise, and rightfully so. It takes time, money, and responsibility to maintain this type of license and they should blast it from the hilltops! Licensed roofers will be more apt to conduct honest business.

While this new bill is a far cry from the reform that is truly needed in regard to Texas roofing and contracting, it is certainly a step in the right direction! House Bill 3293 is definitely catered toward consumers in the sense that credibility will be determined when hiring a private roofer or roofing company.

Please read all contracts carefully and keep in mind that it is against the law for contractors to work on your roof and assist with insurance claims. And only insureds and Public Adjusters, like out team at MESSTX, are legally able to negotiate claims on behalf of insureds. Our certified public adjusters at Morgan Elite Specialist Services are happy to provide free advice and consults.

https://www.dallasnews.com/news/watchdog/2017/03/09/texas-roofers-law-property-tax-deferral-big-atmos-gas-bills-mary-horn

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