Recovery Resources for North Texans
First Steps
- Before cleaning up, take photos of the damage to your home and belongings
- Make a list of damaged and lost items and gather any original receipt you may have for those items
Working with your Insurance Company
- Call your insurance agent or company as soon as possible to report property damage
- Keep a record of everyone you spoke with at the insurance company
- Ask about an advance payment if you need help quickly
- Inquire about living expenses. Some policies will cover some of the costs if you are unable to live in your home because of covered damage
- Make sure you keep receipts for any costs you pay out-of-pocket costs
- Visit the Texas Department of Insurance for additional tips when filing your claim
More Help
- If you are not insured, or if your insurance company denies your claim, you can apply for assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) by visiting their website or calling (800) 621-3362.
- Remember, FEMA cannot provide for losses covered by insurance, however, if you are not insured or your insurance denies your claim, FEMA may be able to provide:
- Funds for temporary housing while you are unable to live in your home, such as rental assistance, or reimbursement for hotel costs
- A temporary housing unit, if approved for the disaster, when you are not able to use rental assistance due to a lack of available housing resources
- Funds to support the repair or replacement of owner-occupied homes that serve as the household’s primary residence, including privately-owned access routes, such as driveways, roads, or bridges
- Funds for other uninsured or under-insured disaster-caused expenses and serious needs, such as repair or replacement of personal property and vehicles, or funds for moving and storage
- If you need shelter or emergency food or water, contact the Red Cross at 800-733-2767
- Complete the Texas Division of Emergency Management Self Reporting Damage Survey to help state officials understand and assess the extent of damages sustained across Texas
Avoiding Scams
- Get more than one bid to help decide which offers are too high or too good to be true
- Check references and phone numbers and call the Better Business Bureau to see if a contractor has complaints
- Don’t pay up front and don’t make your final payment until the job is finished
- Avoid contractors who offer to waive deductibles or promise a rebate for it, which is illegal under state law
- Never sign a contract with blank spaces
- Report possible price gouging to the Office of the Attorney General