Can an insurance company deny a claim? Unfortunately, yes. It happens all the time. If you’re caught in a situation where insurance denied your property claim, you want to ensure you receive a fair settlement.
Receiving a denied claim doesn’t have to be the end of your case.
If you have received a denied insurance claim and feel they handled your case unjustly, you can take action to work with your insurer to reach an agreement.
First, contact the insurance company and try to speak with someone about the denied claim. Many times, that is all the insurance company requires in order for them to reconsider their decision. If your insurer will not negotiate, seeking legal help is the next step. An insurance dispute lawyer in Texas can help you file a complaint and represent your denied claim.
No matter what path you choose, remember to remain calm and collected when dealing with an insurance company. Getting angry or frustrated will only work against you in the long run. Stay diligent, stay organized, and keep track of any communication between yourself and the insurance company.
Why Did the Insurance Company Deny my Property Claim?
Insurance companies deny property insurance claims due to insufficient or inaccurate information. In order for them to approve your property insurance claim, you must prove that the damages do not consist of the exclusions listed in your policy.
You also need to provide all necessary proof and documents. This might include when and how the property sustained damage. Additionally, filing a claim as soon as possible is important. Delaying can cause you to miss deadlines set forth by your policy, which may result in a claim denial, regardless of the validity.
Next Steps if the Insurance Company Denies my Property Claim
If you received a claim denial after property damage, do not panic. Keep reading, and we will walk you through the next steps if the insurance company denies your property claim.
Understand your Policy and Claim Denial
Diligently review your property insurance policy to determine why the insurance company denied your property claim. Explore your options to appeal the decision. Additionally, insurance companies and the property owner oftentimes settle these cases favorably through mediation or arbitration with a third party professional.
If you discover that your insurance company denied your property claim due to an error on their part, they may be legally liable for damages caused by negligence or bad faith denial of coverage.
If the insurance company denies a valid property damage claim, it’s important that you seek legal assistance immediately.
Build your Denied Insurance Claim Case
First, if you know the denied insurance claim falls within your coverage, you will want to gather evidence to support your case. Evidence could include eyewitness testimony, police reports, or any documentation that confirms the cause of damage.
Next, document the damages. Take pictures and write down important information about what and when the damage happened. Additionally, you will need to prove that you are a responsible homeowner. Information about your property maintenance history, insurance claims filed in the past, and any other evidence of good faith on your part will help.
Finally, hire an appraiser to inspect the damages. The appraiser will also provide an estimate for repairs. This is especially important if the insurance company denied your property claim. With an appraiser, you build a strong case and increase the likelihood of the insurer awarding damages.
Remember, good arguments increase the likelihood of the property insurance company listening to your case.
Appeal the Denied Insurance Claim
Lastly, take the next steps to appeal the denied insurance claim with your insurer, and provide
- A clear reason why you are appealing the denied claim.
- Name and contact information for anyone involved in your property claim.
- Copies of any documentation that supports the property insurance claim.
Why Hire an Insurance Dispute Lawyer in Texas?
Whether you’ve already completed the process above or if you need legal support or advice at any point in time, consider hiring an insurance dispute lawyer in Texas.
The appraisal is one of the most abused and overlooked sections of the insurance policy. Dooley Noted is committed to helping the Insurers stay accountable to the Insured.
Let us help you pursue justice for your claim. In other words, help is out there for those who have experienced property damage! There are a lot of unknowns when you are experiencing a property damage claim. In conclusion, Dooley Noted is well-prepared to help you answer many of those questions.