Corpus Christi Homeowners: Essential Steps to Take When Your AC Fails in Extreme Heat

What to Do If Your AC Goes Out After a Texas Storm or Extreme Heat

You're lounging in your Corpus Christi home, trying to escape the sweltering heat wave when suddenly your air conditioner stops working. You've been through this before - last summer's hail storm left you without power for three days, and now it seems like a repeat scenario is unfolding. Did you know that Texas has one of the highest average temperatures in the country during the summer months?

Why This Keeps Happening — And What It Costs You

The root cause of this problem lies in the high winds and hail that are common in Corpus Christi storms, which can damage your AC unit's exterior and internal components. When you file a claim with your insurance company, they will likely classify it as storm damage, but did you know that wind and hail deductibles can be a percentage of your home's insured value, not a flat amount? For example, if your home is insured for $200,000 and your wind/hail deductible is 1%, you'll have to pay $2,000 out-of-pocket before the insurance company kicks in.

State Farm and Allstate handle depreciation differently when it comes to storm-damaged AC units. While both companies will depreciate the value of the unit over time, State Farm uses a more aggressive depreciation schedule than Allstate, which can leave you with a lower payout for your claim.

What The Insurance Company Doesn't Volunteer

• You should take photos and videos of any damage to your AC unit's exterior and internal components before attempting repairs or replacements. This documentation will be crucial when filing your insurance claim and negotiating with the adjuster.
• Contact a licensed contractor who specializes in HVAC repair and replacement, such as those listed on the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) website at license.tdlr.texas.gov.
• Check your policy to see if you have a separate rider or endorsement for HVAC equipment coverage, which can provide additional protection against loss or damage.
• You should also check with the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) to see if they offer any additional coverage options for storm-damaged AC units.

Exactly What To Do — Step By Step

1. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the damage and schedule an inspection by a claims adjuster. Be sure to have your policy number and a detailed description of the damage ready.
2. Reach out to the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) at 800-252-3439 or tdi.texas.gov for guidance on navigating the claims process and understanding your policy's coverage limits.
3. Gather any supporting documentation, such as receipts for previous repairs or maintenance, to help substantiate your claim. Be sure to keep a record of all communication with your insurance company and contractor.
4. If the first steps don't work out, you may want to consider hiring an independent adjuster who can represent your interests and negotiate on your behalf.

Mistakes That Kill Corpus Christi Claims

One common mistake that homeowners make when filing a claim for storm-damaged AC units is not documenting the damage thoroughly enough. This can lead to disputes with the insurance company over the extent of the damage and the amount of coverage owed. Another mistake is hiring an unlicensed contractor who may not have the necessary expertise or experience to properly repair or replace the damaged unit.

Additionally, homeowners often fail to review their policy carefully before filing a claim, which can result in unexpected surprises down the line. For example, if you have a rider for HVAC equipment coverage, but it has expired due to non-payment of premiums, you may find yourself without any coverage at all.

A homeowner who follows these steps and is proactive about documenting their damage and communicating with their insurance company can expect a smoother claims process and potentially higher payout. However, even with the best preparation, claims disputes are common in Texas, and it's essential to be patient and persistent throughout the process.