Insurance industry warns of scams over hail

The aftermath of the hail that hit El Paso on Friday could bring a flood of scams.

The Insurance Council of Texas, a state trade association that represents 500 insurance companies, is warning El Pasoans of scams from pubic adjusters, fake contractors or even lawyers who promise they can help file a claim for a damaged car or a home's roof.

“Unfortunately, there are people who think of dollar signs when weather events happen,” said Mark Hanna, a spokesman for the council.

As many as 40,000 vehicles in El Paso could have been damaged by the hailstorm at a price tag that could reach $150 million, according to the organization.

The council is still estimating how many homes might have been affected, Hanna said.

Meanwhile, additional adjusters have traveled to El Paso to handle insurance claims, which began to build up on Saturday, Hanna said.

“We recommend that motorists call their insurance company to file a claim and then take their advice on where to go to get their car viewed for its damage,” he said.

He said some insurance companies have provided drive-in sites to help policyholders in El Paso as a way to facilitate the inspection and repair process.

Homeowners with roof damage should also call their insurance company and wait for an insurance adjuster to arrive, he said.

There is no cost for them to call the adjuster and no increase in the homeowner’s insurance rate if the adjuster looks at the roof, he added.

Hanna warned homeowners of scams from people knocking on doors, leaving their business cards or making phone calls claiming they are roofers.

He also warned of public adjusters who act as intermediaries between the homeowner and the insurance company — and make a commission out of a filed claim — and of lawyers who promise to get homeowners more money for their claim.

“This could delay the repairs to their homes for months and result in increased rates for everyone,” he said.

To report issues with an insurance company or an adjuster, home and vehicle owners are urged to contact the Texas Department of Insurance at 800-252-3439.

Lorena Figueroa may be reached at 546-6129; lfigueroa@elpasotimes.com; @LFigueroaEPT on Twitter.