ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) – Some homeowners have told First Alert 4 Investigates that they feel they’re already getting the runaround from their insurance companies and are concerned it will take weeks for agents to act.

“It does take you to a dark place, like how can you overcome this?” asked Stacie Nash.

Her home, near Cates and Academy in St. Louis, was significantly damaged in the storm. She has lived in that home her entire life and was home on Friday.

“I could have been cut up or the bricks falling on me, so I thank God for my life,” she said.

She’s keeping watch over it now, though it’s unlivable.

“My flat roof was totally peeled up like a sardine can,” she said.

“I want to replace, I want to rebuild, I don’t want to leave my home,” she said.

But how she’ll rebuild now hangs in the balance. She said that her insurance company can’t get an adjuster there until the end of the month.

“I’m being treated like I have no insurance,” she said.

“These people need their claims paid, and they need it paid immediately,” said Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley during a press conference Monday.

Senator Hawley sent letters to insurance companies over the weekend, a target he’s also had in Congress.

“What I have seen in my investigation is a systematic abuse of the insurance system, where these companies know that they’re lowballing their claims to their policyholders. They know they’re not paying out, and they just keep doing it anyway. Those people ought to be sued, but they also ought to be prosecuted wherever possible,” he said.

“This is a chance for them to shine, and they sure as heck better shine,” he said.

However, state Rep. and insurance agent Steve Butz said the companies don’t all deserve the senator’s ire.

“This is all hands on deck to get these claims processed and settled quickly,” he said.

His advice to residents now:

• Don’t wait to tarp up or secure your own building to mitigate further damage
• Keep any receipts you have
• And look for ways to stay in touch with your insurance company

“You’ve got to have both a contractor and an adjuster get there as quickly as possible, and I know they’re prioritizing — at least I know we are,” he said.

A greater concern, he said, is just where this storm hit.

According to one report, 7% of properties in Missouri are not insured. Those numbers tend to be higher in lower-income neighborhoods. Homeowners of color are disproportionately at risk.

“I really think for uninsured people, that is where the city, state and federal emergency response has to take place,” Butz said.

The house next door to Stacie, which was vacant, has now collapsed. She worries for neighbors who don’t have resources.

“I would rather put the money in my home,” Nash said, than move.

Though thankful to have her life, she’s unsure when she’ll be back home.

There are resources for people who have concerns with their insurance company. You can find them here.

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