What To Do If Your Property Damage Claim Is Denied
Damage to your home or business is devastating. Fortunately, you have purchased property insurance to cover you in just such an event. If the insurance company informs you that they have denied your claim, it may come as a real shock. You are suddenly left wondering what to do, and how you will cover the cost of the damage. Sadly, this is a situation that occurs all too often. Below, our Daytona Beach bad faith insurance claims lawyer explains what to do if your claim is denied.
Why are Property Damage Claims Denied?
There are many reasons property damage claims are denied. The most common of these are as follows:
- Lack of documentation: Insurance claims involve a great deal of documentation. If you do not submit the proper paperwork in a timely manner, the insurer may have good reason to deny the claim.
- Lapsed policy: There are many reasons you may miss an insurance payment. Perhaps you have set up your bank account to pay monthly premiums automatically, but one got missed somehow. Or, perhaps you simply fell on hard times and could not afford to pay. Regardless of the reason, if you have missed payments, it gives the insurer good reason to deny your pay.
- Exclusions: There are certain things an insurance policy will not cover and these are known as exclusions. For example, if your policy excludes the shed on your property, any damage to it will not be covered.
- Bad faith: Sometimes, insurers simply deny claims in order to protect their own profits. This is known as bad faith and if it happens, you may have valid grounds to file a lawsuit against them.
What to Do if Your Claim is Denied
Fortunately, you do not have to simply accept a denial and try to find other means to repair your property. If the insurance company has denied your claim, you should take the following steps:
- Document everything: Documentation is everything when filing a claim. You should document all phone calls, emails, and letters between you and the insurer. Also take photos of the property when it is in good condition so you can compare them with photos of the damage.
- Contact your insurer: As soon as you receive notice of a denial, contact the insurance company and ask why your claim was denied. If the reason is not valid, you can contact a lawyer and take further steps. If the reason is valid, it does not mean your claim will still fail. You may be able to take other steps to reverse the denial.
- Contact an independent adjuster: An independent adjuster does not work for the insurance company. However, they can review the damage and determine if you are eligible for coverage.
- Contact a lawyer: A lawyer can help you determine the next steps to take to reverse a denial or file a lawsuit for a bad faith denial.
Our Bad Faith Insurance Claims Lawyer in Daytona Beach Can Help with a Denial
If your property damage has been denied, you need sound legal advice. At Bundza & Rodriguez, our Daytona Beach bad faith insurance claims lawyer can provide it and guide you through the next steps. Call or text us today at 386-252-5170 or chat with us online to schedule a free consultation.
Source:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0600-0699/0624/Sections/0624.155.html
