Oklahoma is known for their tornado season. Throughout the months of May and June, tornadoes run rampant throughout the state, wreaking havoc in their paths. Since 1950 alone, there have been nearly 5,000 tornadoes, which have caused over 5,300 injuries and 348 deaths. Though the people of Oklahoma have grown used to the frequency of tornadoes throughout tornado season and beyond, there are still cases where the storms have caused significant damage that takes plenty of time and money to repair.

Oklahoma Tornado Insurance Coverage

In Oklahoma, those who have homeowners insurance can be confident that most of the damage they may incur during a tornado will be covered by their plan. This includes damage from fallen objects like trees or power lines, torn or destroyed roofing and siding, destroyed furniture, and much more. 

There are also additional coverages available that take on even more of the damage caused by a tornado. Called additional living expenses, this coverage helps individuals who have been displaced as a result of a tornado. Because some tornadoes can destroy entire homes in some cases, these people will be without a home for a period of time. Understanding the significant financial burden this causes, additional living expense coverage provides coverage for temporary housing, restaurant bills, hotel bills, and any other living expenses while you are displaced and your home is being rebuilt.

When Coverage Goes Wrong

Insurance coverage can be an enormous help to start rebuilding your life after a storm. When you’ve been affected by a natural disaster, such as a tornado, you will want to apply for coverage through a claim as soon as possible to start getting back to normal.

Even after you’ve filed a legitimate claim, and done everything you need to do in regards to insurance coverage, you expect your insurance provider to give you the coverage you deserve under your plan. However, this is not always the case.

According to Ohio insurance law, insurance companies have a duty to act in good faith when handling claims. This requires them to respond to legitimate submitted claims, and provide reasonable responses and actions when approving or denying them. When an insurance provider acts wrongfully against a policyholder, either by refusing to approve and pay out for a claim, or ignore a claim altogether, they are considered to be acting in bad faith. This goes directly against insurance law.

If you are experiencing this type of hardship with your insurance provider, you will want to reach out to an insurance lawyer immediately. They can represent you as you navigate legal proceedings with your insurance provider. An insurance attorney will be able to identify where your provider has acted in bad faith, and how to proceed.

The law offices of Michael M. Raheb, P.A., have expert Oklahoma insurance lawyers available to help you in these difficult times. Their team of experienced insurance lawyers will advocate on your behalf to help you get the coverage you need.