North Texans Face Dual Financial Pressure from Rising Costs and Spring Storms

TEXAS — Residents across North Texas are being squeezed from two directions this spring: climbing everyday expenses and an unusually active, destructive severe-weather season. Recent storms—including those in Springtown and Crescent—have already caused significant hardship, with large hail, some of it baseball-sized, smashing vehicles, damaging homes, and adding unexpected financial strain for families already watching their budgets closely.

“See something that you use almost every day has gone up in price,” Doug Dunbar reported as part of a new weekly financial segment called Making Ends Meet. “There is a lot of focus on budgets right now, and where your hard-earned money is going.”

With tornadoes already touching down in Mineral Wells, Runaway Bay, and Springtown, and significant hail damage reported in Crescent, Dunbar noted that the storm season is far from over. “All of this could happen again,” he said.

Both the Texas Department of Insurance and the Insurance Council of Texas advise that storm victims take immediate action. The very first step, according to both organizations, is to contact your insurance company or agent as soon as possible to file a claim. “You don’t want to wait,” Dunbar emphasized.

Other critical steps include making a detailed list of damaged items, taking photos and videos, and making only temporary repairs until an insurance adjuster has inspected the damage. Homeowners should walk the adjuster around the property to point out all damage and should not throw anything away unless the adjuster has seen it first. Receipts for supplies or repair costs should be saved in a folder and handed over to the insurance company for potential reimbursement.

Dunbar also highlighted a major concern: contractor fraud. The Insurance Council of Texas warns residents to use only licensed and insured contractors, to ask for paperwork, and to obtain multiple repair estimates—not just one. A major red flag, according to the council, is any contractor who offers to waive the deductible. Under Texas law, contractors cannot legally waive, rebate, absorb, or work a deductible into a bid.

“You got a lot on your mind when the spring storms damage your property,” Dunbar said. “We’re in the same boat as you, so be patient. Be thorough with your documentation and always be alert, because there will be people who want to take advantage of you.”