When tragedy strikes, we are often left emotionally vulnerable. When an expected safety net, like homeowner’s insurance, also fails us, the resulting confusion can lead to anger.
Hopefully, this listing of common reasons for why insurance claims are denied (and what can be done to avoid denial) can help bring calm and sense back to a stressful situation.
An insurance company must explain to you, in writing, why any insurance claim has been denied. Phone conversations are not enough to be a denial.
Basic reasons for denial include not paying premiums on time, not filing a claim in time, and not documenting the damages claimed. These are all legitimate reasons for denying a claim and do not leave much ground to fight the denial.
A more complicated matter comes from an insurance policy’s exclusions lists. For instance, home insurance in many coastal counties does not include an option to cover wind or hail damage, so these claims can be denied. Flood damage is also covered by a separate insurance, so those claims must be made with the appropriate organization, and not with your homeowner’s insurance company.
Homeowners may also be denied coverage based on how they presented the damage claims to the insurance company. Without good documentation, a company can deny your proof of possession. Homeowners are also expected to try to prevent further damage from occurring after the initial incident. For example, if a wind storm created holes in your roof, it is your duty to temporarily cover those holes, instead of allowing later rainstorms to further damage your home.
If you believe your insurance company is denying your claim without a legitimate reason, you can follow these steps below on your own, or you can find a Texas homeowners insurance claims attorney to help you take legal action:
At Millin & Millin, we are dedicated to helping you get your insurance to pay out what is owed to you.
If you are having to file an insurance claim, it’s likely due to the fact that you have just suffered through a terrible event. Having to deal with the unscrupulous tactics of an insurance company is the last thing you need on your plate during this time.
Depend on the responsiveness of the bad faith insurance legal team of Millin & Millin to get the justice you need when seeking your rightful compensation from deceitful insurers.
Gulf Coast living provides many exciting recreational activities that the land-locked residents of most other states do not get to experience. But these opportunities come with a risk; warm-water hurricanes.
Homeowners know they must prepare for these events, and that includes knowing how to purchase insurance that will help you rebuild in case your part of the state faces the might of a strong storm.
A storm can cause structural damage in a number of ways.
What first comes to mind is flooding, a catastrophe that is not covered in your typical homeowner’s insurance. Instead, an additional insurance rider must be purchased — flood insurance. If your homeowner’s insurance agency doesn’t participate in this federally-regulated insurance market, you can reach out to the National Flood Insurance Program directly to find a local agent and policy for you.
Another form of storm damage that must be considered is wind and hail. Again, these are catastrophes that are not usually covered in a typical homeowner’s policy! Homeowners must be aware of what is covered in their home insurance policy, and what is excluded. Protection against wind and hail damage is usually an additional expense item that must be added to a plan.
If your insurance does not offer this option, you may have to buy an additional insurance plan for your house from the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association.
If you cannot find the insurance protection you need for your home, look toward the Texas Fair Access to Insurance Requirements Plan, also known as the Texas FAIR Plan. They can help you purchase basic insurance for your home after you’ve been denied coverage by other insurance companies.
How to Make Your Home Insurance Work for You
Now that your home is covered, you should prepare for the worst-case scenario by starting the documentation you’ll need in case any sort of home damage does occur.
Create a list of the property you own, and then update the list regularly. Try to include information about when expensive items were bought, their price, and their serial numbers.
Most household items can be included in your list of property damaged from a storm, including spoiled food, so having this list will help you substantiate your claim in the future. Keep this list in a fire and water-proof container, and also keep any photographic evidence of your home’s valuables secure for future use.
Finally, be sure to stay on schedule with paying your insurance premiums. Do not allow insurance companies the opportunity to deny your damage reimbursement because of this basic requirement!
While we hope that our region will be able to avoid any major storms this hurricane season, we also want to ensure that the people of the Rio Grande Valley are fully prepared. Should your home suffer severe damage caused by a storm and you cannot secure the coverage to you, do NOT hesitate to contact the experienced insurance claim attorneys of Millin & Millin.
Get on the path of recovery by calling the legal experts of Millin & Millin today at (956) 631-5600.
