United Policyholders has been helping Texas residents solve insurance problems after natural disasters since 1994.  Here is a partial list of the insurance claim and recovery help resources that United Policyholders offers to residents of the Lone Star State.   To find information on specific topics, please visit the Claim Help Library and use our “search” box.  If we are offering live educational workshops or events in your area, you will find times, topics and locations below.

Claim Help Library

Read tips and information on insurance claims, legal matters and the rebuilding/repair process.

• Top Ten Insurance Claim Tips
• Texas Specific Claim Tips
• Frequently Asked Questions About Property Damage Insurance Claims in Texas
• Your Insurance Legal Rights as a Property Owner in Texas
• Texas tips on your insurance money and your mortgage
• Sample letters/ Sample forms to help document your loss and get paid in full and on time

Recovery Tools and Resources

Roadmap to Recovery Tools Request Form
If your home or rental has been damaged or destroyed and you would like any of the free tools listed below, e-mail a current mailing address to info@uphelp.org.

•The Disaster Recovery Handbook/Household Inventory Guide:  Since 2006 “The Disaster Recovery Handbook and Household Inventory Guide”  has been a trusted book that’s led thousands of people through the process of overcoming obstacles to repairing and rebuilding after a major loss.  The book is written in plain language by disaster survivors for disaster survivors with tips and expert advice from legal, insurance and personal finance professionals.

• The Roadmap to Recovery Organizer Kit: includesthe essential tools for staying organized and recovering financially from serious property damage or loss.  Each kit contains a diary/notebook, essential tips and guidance, business card holders, a pouch for receipts and a messenger bag.

 • Home Inventory Flashdrives:  Most disaster survivors must prepare an itemized and detailed inventory list of every single item they lost in order to recover insurance monies and/or claim tax losses.  Creating this inventory is one of the most challenging and time-consuming tasks survivors must complete on the road to recovery.  To ease this burden, UP created a home inventory flash drive that’s pre-loaded with helpful content and is easy to use.

Support from Previous Disaster Survivors
Confidential emotional support, insurance and rebuilding tips from previous catastrophic loss victims/survivors through the United Policyholders Disaster Survivor Support Network (“DSSN”) For a list of and contact info for available DSSN recovery mentors, please email your request to info@uphelp.org and put “DSSN” in the subject line.

Expert Answers to Your Questions
Our secure online “Ask an Expert” forum is now open to all Texas residents impacted by the wildfires.  The forum is an easy and safe way to ask individual questions and get answers from attorneys, claim professionals and previous disaster survivors who serve as UP volunteers.  The expert/volunteer doesn’t see your contact info so they can’t contact you, but you can contact them if you want to follow up on their answer.  To view the forum, please visit our “Ask an Expert” page here. 

Other Resources

• BastropRelief.org Resources and Support for Wildfire Relief, Recovery and Rebuilding.
• Bastrop County Long Term Recovery Committee
• County of Bastrop – Disaster Relief Information
• Office of Public Insurance Counsel (“OPIC”)  A state agency that represents and helps Texas insurance consumers.  Follow the link on their site to learn how you’re protected by the Texas Residential Property Owners Bill of Rights.
• Texas Department of Insurance: An important resource for getting help and information.
• Texas Division of Emergency Management
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
• Texas State Fire Marshall
• American Red Cross
• Find local claim and legal professionals in our “Find Help” directory.
  

  2011 CENTRAL TEXAS WILDFIRE SURVEY RESULTS 12 MONTH SURVEY RESULTS Our key findings include: 56% of respondents reported being underinsured on their dwelling by an average of over $110,000 80% of respondents reported they do not have enough insurance money to replace their belongings. The average amount they fell short was $97,000. 1/3 of respondents reported that their insurance company did not explain “depreciation” and how to collect full replacement cost on their items. 35% of respondents responded their lenders (mortgage company) required insurance funds be used to pay down home loans.Read the 12 Month Survey Data Here MID-YEAR SURVEY RESULTS Our key findings include: 45% of respondents settled their insurance claim within the first 2 months following the fire. 52% of respondents reported being underinsured on their dwelling by an average of over $75,000 69% of respondents reported they do not have enough insurance money to replace their belongings. The average amount they fell short was $66,000. 40% reported that their insurance company did not explain “depreciation” and how to collect full replacement cost on their items. 44% of respondents responded their lenders (mortgage company) required insurance funds be used to pay down home loans. Read the Mid-Year Survey Data Here