Why Was My Homeowner’s Insurance Claim Denied?
Your home is one of the most valuable assets that you own. When a disaster strikes, you rely on your insurance company to cover the repairs and restore your home. And it can be devastating to learn that your claim has been denied and the repairs will fall to you to pay out of pocket.
Working with a diligent attorney that understands bad-faith insurance practices in California is essential to settle your claim. Paying out as little as possible has become the insurance industry’s business model. You deserve the coverage you have paid for, and we help you claim it when you need it most.
Reasons Why Your Claim is Denied
Following the proper steps to file a claim can help prevent denial of the claim. Avoiding these mistakes will ensure better preparation in an emergency.
Improper premium payment
Insurance companies are a business. They expect the premiums to be paid on time each month. Paying after a due date or not paying premiums at all can result in denying your homeowner’s insurance claim.
Filing too late
There is a specified time period to file a claim when your home is damaged. The sooner you file, the better. But it is crucial to be familiar with the specific timelines of your insurance company so you never miss them.
Poor documentation
It is up to you to document the damage to prove your claim. Submitting documents, photographs, and videos strengthen support of the claim. A lot will happen, but you must slow down and collect the information in detail because pictures tell the story.
Falsifying a Claim
You will initially document the damage after a disaster, but a claims adjuster will also assess the damage. Claim denial can occur when the damage they see does not fit with the originally reported incident causing the initial report, the scene, and the documentation not to add up.
Lack of damage prevention
If your home is damaged in a disaster, it is imperative to take the proper steps to secure it from further damage. Elements like rain and high winds can continue to cause detriment to the newly exposed areas of your home. An adjuster will notice the prevention methods used to deter additional damage, noting how this could contribute to the claim.
Bad Faith Insurance Practices
It bears repeating that insurance companies are businesses and do not benefit from paying large amounts to policyholders. The goal is to minimize payout even when the insurance representative you are speaking to gives the impression they want to be helpful and provide you with maximum coverage.
When an insurer refuses to pay a claim without a reasonable basis or fails to investigate your claim correctly, resulting in a denial of the claim, it is considered bad faith practice. In addition to documenting the actual claim, keeping a record of dates, times, and who you speak with in conversation from your insurance company can make it easier to pinpoint the breakdown in service.
A High Standard in Representation
The last thing any homeowner in good standing with their insurance company expects is to have a claim denied without reasonable cause. When this happens, it is imperative to reach out to the dedicated practice of Dawson & Rosenthal, P.C. for excellent representation in bad faith insurance claims. We believe in the accountability of insurance companies and securing the payment you deserve.
Decades of dedication to understanding bad-faith insurance practices have given us a vast pool of knowledge to draw from. Your claim is given the undivided attention it deserves, relieving you of the stress of navigating a complicated legal system. We fight to protect one of your most valuable assets, your home.