Can I reopen a claim or get repairs paid for if I failed to get them done in the original time grace period

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A couple years ago I filed a claim for some minor hail damage on my roof, then failed to get the repairs done during the grace period. I never cashed the adjusters original depreciation check, but want to get the repairs done now. Can i get my insurance company to pay for the repairs as originally intended, or re-open the claim somehow? Thanks.”

Asked February 16, 2016

1 Answer


Insurance claims can sometimes be a pain to deal with especially if you are located in the state of Texas. It is home to various calamities that insurance companies find not profitable, and thus are reluctant in giving their full coverage for affected individuals. With regards to the question, it really depends on the insurance company and on the policy that you agreed upon if they will continue to accept the claim even after the grace period.

There is a separate clause on insurance claims regarding damages done by windstorms and hails. Usually, the claim can only be in effect for a year after it was issued. If the insurer didn't make the necessary steps after the said period, the insurance company might still give a 180-day grace period for the insurer to do the steps needed. If not, it would be the prerogative of the insurance company to accept or decline the claim.

If you are still with the insurance company, then chances are they will just make certain agreements and still accommodate your post-dated insurance claim. There is a high chance though that they will not pay the new cost of the repairs in full, as you didn't follow the steps needed in order to process your claim. If you still have the depreciation check, chances are that the amount stated on the check would be the amount being refunded for you, and no more. You would most probably shoulder the added expenses for your repairs. This is because the insurance has already issued a check for you to use, and assumes that you already used it to make the necessary repairs for your property.

As for the re-opening, it depends on when the damage has been done and if the policy you have is still applicable to the year that the damage has been made. Most insurance companies renew their policies after a certain number of years. If your damage has been made before the change in policy, then you can still opt to try to re-open the claim since it is within the said period. However, if the insurance policy was renewed, you might not be able to file a claim for any damages that your property has prior to the acceptance of the renewed policy.

You can find more information about the insurance policies in Texas through here. There is also a clause that specifically talks about windstorm and hail related insurance coverage and policies here.

Answered February 17, 2016 by InsuranceStar

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