Any situation involving an insurance policy and/or claim has the potential to be frustrating. Whether you are figuring out the coverage that you need or disputing a delayed payout, there is a lot on the line and the insurance agents aren’t necessarily looking out for your best interests.
With this in mind, understand that you do not need to wait until a situation gets bad before you seek legal guidance. Below, we look at four different times it can be valuable to contact an attorney during the insurance claim process.
- Before you ever file a claim: An insurance policy is typically going to be long-winded and involve a lot of legalese that is confusing to people without a legal or insurance background. Before signing any document, you can have an attorney review it to look for any holes or problematic terms.
- After a physical loss or property damage: Navigating the insurance claims process in light of a serious incident involving your home or car can be overwhelming when you are already dealing with pain, damage to your home and other losses. An attorney can ensure your claim is filed properly and help you secure a fair settlement.
- When the insurance company comes back with a settlement offer: If the insurance company offers you a much lower settlement than you expected or denies coverage, then you will want to talk to an attorney about your next steps. This might include negotiating with your insurer or taking the case to court.
- If your company cancels your plan or denies your claim: Contract termination or a flat-out denial can be a major red flag. If you believe you have in place a policy that covers the damage suffered but an insurance company says otherwise, examine the situation with an attorney in order to identify any indications of bad faith actions.
While legal guidance can be essential when a dispute arises with your insurance company, you don’t have to wait for that to happen to assess your legal situation. You can reach out for guidance and support at any stage of the insurance claim process to protect your rights and seek the coverage and compensation you deserve.
