On May 16, 2025, Houston was struck by a rare but devastating derecho—a straight-line windstorm with gusts topping 100 mph. The storm left a trail of destruction across Harris County and surrounding areas, causing an estimated $5–7 billion in damages, rivaling the impact of Hurricane Ike in 2008.
Commercial property owners—including office complexes, shopping centers, warehouses, and industrial facilities—were hit especially hard. Roofs were torn away, glass was shattered throughout downtown Houston, and widespread power outages disrupted businesses for days.
But while the physical damage was immediate and obvious, the insurance battles that followed have proven just as devastating. Insurers are already leveraging exclusions, technicalities, and delay tactics to deny or undervalue claims, leaving property owners struggling to rebuild.
The Derecho’s Impact on Commercial Properties
The May 2025 derecho was unlike a typical thunderstorm. With hurricane-force winds striking without warning, property owners reported:
● Catastrophic Roof Damage – Entire roofing systems were stripped away from retail centers and office buildings.
● Structural Failures – Flying debris shattered windows, compromised facades, and caused water intrusion.
● Business Interruptions – Restaurants, shopping malls, and professional offices lost weeks of revenue due to closures and power outages.
Despite these clear signs of storm-related destruction, insurers have been quick to deny coverage or minimize payouts by exploiting policy language.
Key Challenges Facing Houston Policyholders in 2025
Commercial property owners filing claims after the derecho are encountering several recurring obstacles:
● Windstorm Exclusions
In Harris County and other coastal areas, many standard commercial property policies exclude wind and hail damage, requiring separate coverage through the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA).
● Underpayment Tactics
Insurers often issue initial offers that cover only a fraction of actual repair costs—ignoring interior water damage, code upgrade expenses, and business interruption losses.
● Strict Deadlines
Under Texas law, most storm damage claims must be filed within one year of the event. Insurer delays can push claims dangerously close to these deadlines, leading to automatic denials.
How to Strengthen Your Derecho Claim
Commercial property owners are not powerless. By taking proactive steps, you can build a strong case and overcome insurer pushback:
1. Act Promptly
Notify both your insurer and TWIA (if applicable) immediately. Document every loss with photos, videos, contractor estimates, and tenant impact reports.
2. Ensure TWIA Compliance
Properties in coastal counties must comply with TWIA windstorm building codes. Ensure your roof, windows, and other systems meet standards—compliance is often the difference between approval and denial.
3. Bring in Independent Experts
Hire engineers, roofing consultants, and public adjusters to counter insurer assessments that minimize or misclassify damage.
4. Work with a Policyholder Attorney
At the Voss Law Firm, we have decades of experience fighting Texas insurers after major wind events. Our team has recovered millions for commercial property owners by challenging denials, negotiating aggressively, and pursuing litigation when necessary.
Why This Matters in 2025
The Houston derecho highlights a growing reality: Texas is vulnerable to more than just hurricanes. Severe wind events are increasing in frequency and intensity, and insurers are quick to exploit exclusions and loopholes to avoid paying claims.
For commercial property owners, the stakes are high. A denied or underpaid claim can mean millions in unrecovered repair costs and lost revenue.
Don’t let your insurer dictate the outcome of your derecho claim. Contact The Voss Law Firm today for a free consultation—and let our team help you secure the compensation your business is owed.
