Insurance can help to protect property in the case of an unforeseen event, but what happens when the claim is denied?
Homeowners in Texas and across the United States purchase insurance to protect their homes in the event a fire, flood, hurricane or some other unforeseen event causes damage to their property. When an incident does occur, homeowners should promptly file a claim with the insurance company in order to maximize their chances of receiving payment on the claim. In some cases, however, the insurance claim may be denied and homeowners may be left in the dark when it comes to paying for the damage. Fortunately, there are steps that homeowners can take to help their claim through the insurance process.
Checking the claim for accuracy
It is critical that all of the details regarding the incident, as well as the property damage are included in the insurance claim. People should keep in mind that some of the insurance language can be difficult to understand. Some homeowners may want to partner with a legal professional to help them decode the claim and ensure it has been filled out appropriately. Find out exactly why the claim was denied, such as what information or documentation was missing from the original claim.
Review the insurance policy
Once the homeowner understands more about why the claim was denied, he or she should review their policy to make sure that the damage is covered under the terms of the policy. Was the claim denied because it exceeded the amount covered by the policy or was the type of damage that occurred not included in the policy at all? When people go to appeal the denied claim, they should have all of that information available and know what their policy covers.
Know the facts
When an event occurs, people should make sure to document the incident by writing down everything and taking pictures if possible. Homeowners should have all of the dates, parties involved and extent of the damage. An appraisal of the damage may be necessary. If there were purchases of items that were designed to protect the property, such as home security systems or fire alarms, those receipts may be helpful to the case. Ultimately, the homeowner should prove that he or she is a responsible property owner.
Obtain legal help
After all is said and done, you will want to file an appeal with the insurance company. It may be wise to seek counsel from an attorney in Texas who understands insurance law. A lawyer may have answers to your questions and be able to guide you in the right direction when it comes to having an insurance claim approved.
