Avoid Claim Delays After a Disaster: Top Mistakes & Solutions
Why Speed and Accuracy Matter After Catastrophic Events
When disaster strikes, insurance carriers face pressure to process claims quickly. But too often, common mistakes slow everything down. For policyholders, these delays lead to frustration. For insurers, this means higher costs, missed deadlines, and strained client relationships.
At Texas Piers Consulting, we’ve worked with claims professionals across Texas, Florida, Louisiana, and Georgia. We've seen firsthand how avoidable missteps in property damage assessments and forensic engineering can stall even the most organized claims process.
This guide outlines the most frequent claim-handling mistakes after a catastrophe—and how to prevent them with expert help.
Mistake #1: Incomplete or Inaccurate Initial Inspections
The Problem:
Field adjusters are often overwhelmed during CAT events. Under pressure, damage assessments may be rushed or incomplete. Missing key structural damage, like uplifted roof decking or foundation cracks, can lead to reinspection requests, disputes, and even litigation.
The Solution:
Bring in expert inspections early. At Texas Piers Consulting, we conduct thorough structural evaluations that provide insurers with all the facts upfront, backed by clear, defensible engineering reports for insurance companies.
Lack of Mitigation and Documentation of Damages. You should have photos/ videos of your property before an event occurs; however, most often, damages are not documented post an event with proper imagery, mitigation efforts/actions, and keeping up with invoices, receipts, itemized estimates, reports, etc.
Mistake #2: Delayed Deployment of Field Resources
The Problem:
Waiting too long to send in inspectors or engineers increases the risk of evidence deterioration and policyholder dissatisfaction. The longer it takes to assess the loss, the more complicated the claim becomes.
The Solution:
Partner with a responsive catastrophe response provider like Texas Piers Consulting. We deploy quickly after disasters, providing rapid property damage assessments across multiple states. This allows carriers to prioritize high-severity claims and reduce cycle times.
Mistake #3: Lack of Clear Documentation
The Problem:
Photos without context, vague descriptions, and missing measurements can escalate disputes and appraisal. Adjusters and carriers need strong documentation to support fair settlements.
The Solution:
Our team delivers organized, easy-to-understand forensic engineering reports that include:
- High-quality imagery with notes
- Measured diagrams and scope details
- Root-cause analysis
- Recommendations based on code compliance
These reports are built to support insurance claims at every step.
Mistake #4: Overlooking Local Code Requirements
The Problem:
Each state—and often each city—has unique building codes. Ignoring these can result in non-compliant repairs, delays in permitting, or denied claims.
The Solution:
Our building consulting experts are well-versed in regional codes across our service areas. We help insurers avoid compliance issues and ensure that repair scopes align with local requirements.
Mistake #5: Delaying Expert Involvement in Disputed Claims
The Problem:
Disputes between policyholders and carriers often arise when damage causes or repair scopes are unclear. Waiting too long to hire a qualified engineer or third-party appraiser only extends the timeline.
The Solution:
Texas Piers Consulting provides prompt support in appraisal & arbitration. We serve as independent experts who clarify facts, resolve disagreements, and support fair outcomes, helping insurers avoid litigation and reduce costs.
Don’t Let These Mistakes Hold Up Your Claims Process
Insurance carriers don’t have time to waste after a disaster. The faster claims are assessed, documented, and resolved, the better the outcome for everyone involved.
Texas Piers Consulting is your partner in keeping claims moving, with services designed to prevent the most common post-disaster mistakes. Our specialties include:
- Forensic engineering.
- Catastrophe response.
- Building consulting.
- Appraisal & arbitration.
- Expert engineering reports for insurance companies.
Learn more about us by visiting the link below. Explore how we can help you succeed!
You might also like
