'It’s a horrible process' | Montgomery County homeowners now prepare for fight with insurance companies over tornado damage

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas — Homeowners in Montgomery County are in the process of recovering after devastating tornadoes.

Emergency management officials said debris pickup has begun. For some homeowners, it’s just the beginning of a fight with their insurance company to repair their home.

A tarp is covering the garage and front section of Joseph Korona’s home. The challenge in his recovery is fighting his insurance company. 

“It’s a horrible process that no one should have to go through, you lose what you call home,” Korona said. 

He and his wife are staying in a hotel while their house sits empty.

“We just put the tarps up, we’re trying to mitigate any additional water damage that could happen over the next week. There’s not much you can do, half the roof’s gone,” he said.

Korona said an insurance adjuster submitted their first settlement offer. A structural engineer for their insurance company said the front wall is not safe either.

“To watch just the wall possibly falling down soon, it’s a lot to take in,” he said.

His insurance company’s first offer wasn’t enough to cover the estimated cost of repairs.

Throughout Montgomery County, damage assessments have been completed.

40 structures were destroyed and 302 sustained damage, according to officials.

Korona said he is not sure when he’ll be able to move back in. He hopes others going through a similar situation remember to keep their composure.

“The insurance company has to put your house the way it was prior to the incident. There’s going to be steps that are painful, and don’t get emotional,” he said.

As for the upcoming wintry weather, Montgomery County officials said they are watching and monitoring what impacts it will bring into next week.

Emergency management officials said that they expect further assistance with recovery from the tornado damage in the upcoming week.