When the devastating force of Hurricane Helene tore through communities, many homeowners found themselves dealing with extensive property damage. As if the damage itself wasn’t enough, the added stress of filing insurance claims and facing possible denial can feel overwhelming.
Insurance policies are meant to protect us when disaster strikes, yet many find themselves in a battle with their insurance companies when their hurricane insurance claims are denied or underpaid. If this is your situation, don’t despair. Here’s how you can fight back against a denied hurricane insurance claim and secure the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Hurricane Insurance Claims
Hurricanes, like Helene, can cause catastrophic damage to homes and businesses. Depending on your policy, your insurance should cover things like roof damage, flooding, broken windows, water damage, and even mold issues.
Be Aware of What Your Policy Covers!
However, filing hurricane insurance claims can be complicated, as insurance companies often try to minimize their payouts, delay claims, or deny them altogether. A key part of avoiding these roadblocks is understanding what your policy covers.
Insurance companies often separate coverage for wind, flooding, and storm surges, and they may deny certain damages based on those distinctions. Before filing your claim, read through your policy and make sure you understand what’s covered, and if possible, speak to a lawyer for hurricane insurance claims early in the process.
Common Reasons for Denied Hurricane Insurance Claims
Insurance companies may deny claims for a variety of reasons, some of which are legitimate, while others are tactics to avoid paying.
Here are some common reasons for claim denial:
- Insufficient Documentation: Insurance companies require detailed documentation of damage, including photos, videos, and receipts for repairs. If you haven’t provided enough proof of the damage, your claim may be denied.
- Policy Exclusions: As mentioned earlier, insurance policies often exclude certain types of damages. For instance, flood damage may not be covered unless you have a separate flood insurance policy. Understanding these exclusions is key to avoiding denial.
- Late Filing: Insurance companies often impose strict deadlines for filing claims. If you wait too long after the hurricane to file, your claim may be denied on the grounds of untimeliness.
- Pre-Existing Damage: Insurers may argue that the damage existed before the hurricane, using this as a reason to deny your claim. To counter this, it’s essential to provide a clear record of the condition of your property before and after the storm.
- Failure to Mitigate Damage: After a hurricane, homeowners are typically expected to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage, like placing tarps over exposed areas. Failure to do so may result in the denial of your claim.
If you believe your claim was unfairly denied for any of these reasons, it’s important to consult with a hurricane insurance claims lawyer who can help you navigate the complexities of your insurance policy and fight back against unjust denials.
Steps to Take After Your Hurricane Insurance Claim Is Denied
If your insurance claim is denied, there are still ways to push back and get the compensation you deserve. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Review the Denial Letter Carefully
When your insurance company denies your claim, they are required to send you a written explanation detailing why the claim was denied.
This letter is your roadmap to understanding the insurer’s reasoning. Review it carefully, and make note of any areas where you believe the insurer may have misunderstood or misapplied the terms of your policy.
2. Gather More Evidence
If your claim was denied due to insufficient documentation, it’s time to go back and gather more evidence. Take more photos and videos of the damage, track down receipts for repairs, and collect any other paperwork that might help support your claim.
It’s also a good idea to hire professionals like contractors, engineers, or inspectors to provide reports or estimates for the cost of repairs. These expert opinions can add significant weight to your claim and can help counter any arguments from the insurer.
3. File an Appeal
Many insurance companies offer an internal appeals process for denied claims. When you file an appeal, you essentially ask the insurance company to take another look at your claim and reconsider their denial.
This process can involve submitting additional documentation, writing a letter explaining why the denial was incorrect, and pointing out where the insurer may have misinterpreted the policy.
4. Hire a Claims Lawyer
If your appeal is denied, or if you prefer not to handle the appeals process on your own, hiring a lawyer is the next step.
A hurricane insurance claims lawyer understands the intricacies of insurance policies and can help you fight back against bad faith practices by the insurance company.
These practices can include:
- Unreasonable Delays: If the insurer is dragging its feet and delaying your claim unnecessarily.
- Lowball Offers: Offering a payout far lower than what the damage warrants.
- Misrepresentation of Policy Terms: Claiming that certain damages aren’t covered when, in fact, they are.
By having a lawyer on your side, you’re more likely to receive a fair settlement or judgment in your favor.
How a Lawyer for Hurricane Insurance Claims Can Help
A lawyer can help by:
- Ensuring all deadlines are met and all necessary documents are filed correctly.
- Investigating your claim and gathering additional evidence to support your case.
- Negotiating with the insurance company to secure a fair settlement.
- Taking your case to court if the insurance company refuses to settle fairly.
When you work with an experienced hurricane insurance claims lawyer, you level the playing field and increase your chances of a successful outcome.
Let Tarnovsky-Lopez Law Help You Fight Back
At Tarnovsky-Lopez Law, we specialize in helping homeowners and business owners recover fair compensation after a hurricane. Our experienced team of residential property attorneys for insurance claims understands the tactics insurance companies use to underpay or deny claims, and we know how to fight back. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and find out how we can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Don’t wait—let us be your advocate in this challenging time.
