While the size and scope of storm damage can affect how quickly insurance companies process claims, some policyholders say they are left waiting for answers as they try to determine whether to pay for repairs themselves or continue waiting for guidance from their insurance carriers.
Jessica Lopez of Homewood said ongoing storm damage has disrupted her family's summer.
"It has not been a summer. You know, kids are depressed, trying to manage, trying to keep the house as salvageable as possible, to find out what insurance is going to do, and at the same time, try fixing what you can on your own."
Lopez said she already had an insurance claim stemming from severe storms on July 3. According to Lopez, power outages damaged her air conditioning unit and sump pumps, leading to water damage and mold growth.
As she worked to address those issues, another storm on Aug. 11 caused additional damage. Lopez said tree damage left her yard in disarray, windows were damaged and her roof began leaking.
She said the wait for an insurance assessment has added to her frustration.
"My assessor is not scheduled to come out until September 1st. So that is a long period of wait. Until then, what do you do?"
Lopez said she has spoken with multiple contractors, obtained estimates and contacted her insurance company but still lacks clear direction on how to proceed.
Some homeowners turn to public adjusters to advocate on their behalf during the claims process.
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Ryan Ward of Guru Claims Services said insufficient sump pump coverage is a common issue he sees among homeowners.
"Basements. The biggest thing I'm doing right now. I went to two clients today. They don't have enough sump pump coverage or no sump pump coverage at all."
Public adjusters typically receive a percentage of an eventual insurance payout, but supporters say they can help ensure insurance companies comply with policy terms.
Other homeowners may be unsure whether to file a claim at all. Michael Balarezo, CEO of Adjusto, encouraged homeowners to gather information before making decisions.
"There's nothing stopping folks from getting an estimate from a contractor or a specialist who does this sort of remediation work for the type of damage that you have, and I urge folks to get at least three different estimates."
Insurance experts said obtaining multiple estimates can help homeowners make more informed decisions about repairs and claims.
For some policyholders who pursue insurance claims, weeks or even months may pass before the process is resolved, leaving them questioning the value of their coverage.
Lopez said the delays have been difficult.
"It hurts because you know you pay your bills on time. You make sure your home is protected because you put value into your home. You work hard for what you have, and you want it to last."
Experts said one of the biggest mistakes policyholders make is not fully understanding what their insurance policies cover. They also said homeowners who believe they have a legitimate claim should not avoid filing solely out of concern that their insurance rates could increase, noting that rates may increase regardless of whether a claim is filed.