My house was just damaged in Hurricane Ike.A large oak snapped off, fell through the roof, and then it rained inside.We paid somebody $1500 the same day to take the tree off the roof and cover it with a tarp (that was the going rate the day after the storm).My husband called and filed and claim, but they said that they only cover $500 for tree removal.That is not a huge deal, but I'd like to know if we are in for a struggle in dealing with this company.Already l know l need a new roof, new ductwork, and new flooring. Any tips?

USAA is an excellent company. You will likely not have any trouble.

Most homeowners policies have the $500 same special limit of liability for tree removal. You would have heard the same thing from any company.

If possible see if u can get the guy who did the tree removal to bill u separately for the tree removal & for the purchase & placement of the tarp. There is usually no special limit of liability for preventing further damage from occurring - in fact it is ur duty.

If u do not have a copy of the policy handy call the company & ask them to send u one. And u can always ask the adjustor to show u where in the policy it says ''X''. They will.

The best tip l have is to be courteous. When there is something that can go either way an adjustor is much more likely to go ur way if u r pleasant. But be firm when u need to be, too!

Best of luck to you! l hope ur lives r back to normal soon!