Can I Appeal a Denied Homeowner’s Claim?

At The Morgan Law Group P.A., our insurance claims attorneys in Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Puerto Rico know how devastating it is for homeowners to suffer damage to their property and turn to their insurance company for the financial recovery they believe they are entitled to for its repairs or replacement, only to be met with denial in coverage.

The reality is, insurance companies will do all they can to minimize their exposure, which means paying their policyholders as little as possible or nothing at all after they file a claim.

Here are some of the most common reasons for claim denials, and tips to prevent this response from happening to you.

Why Would My Homeowner’s Insurance Provider Deny My Claim?

There are multiple reasons why your homeowner’s insurance company may deny your property damage claim.

They include, but are not limited to:

• You Waited Too Long to File a Claim

Insurance policies require homeowners to notify the company promptly of any losses and place time-sensitive filing requirements in place, so they can increase their chances of responding with a denial. If your home has been damaged, contact your insurance company right away.

• You Did Not Pay Your Homeowner’s Insurance Premium

Paying your homeowner’s insurance on time and in full monthly, quarterly, or annually — depending on your preference or terms is especially important. Late premium payment can happen at the most inopportune time and coincide with damage that will be denied for that very reason.

• You Made False Statements About the Details of Your Homeowner’s Insurance Claim

The insurance company will investigate your claim thoroughly by reviewing the documents you submitted and assigning an adjuster to review the damage as an insurance company employee – that occurred to your home or other property in person.

If they find anything questionable, exaggerated, or otherwise deemed suspicious about the claim, or its original request for coverage, your claim may be denied.

• You Failed to Properly Document the Damage that Occurred to Your Home

One of your responsibilities as a property owner is to document the damage that was done to your property, whether it was caused by a fire, flood, or hurricane, as proof of your overall filing.

This could include pictures, video, and documents, receipts, and/or estimates for your repair or replacement needs.

It is not the insurance company’s position to take your word for the damage that occurred or prove your claim for you, so it is imperative to provide proof of the damage and how it is affecting your safety and/or quality of life.

Additionally, following property losses, the policyholder is required to protect it from further damage to mitigate the extent of the loss.

If you leave the damage as is, and further damage occurs, it could be grounds for denial.

• Your Type of Property Damages are Excluded From Your Coverage

All homeowner’s insurance policies come with exclusions.

Insurance companies can easily claim that the cause of your property damage is excluded from your policy and deny it outright. That is why it is important to talk with an experienced insurance claims attorney who can read your policy for what it is, and identify the coverage that will work for you, instead of you taking the insurance company’s word for it.

How Can I Appeal a Denied Homeowner’s Claim?

Property damage claims can be challenging, simply because homeowners expect their insurance coverage to provide the financial recovery they need to make them whole again, so they may skip details that can hinder their ability to receive the compensation they are entitled to.

Contact insurance claims attorneys at The Morgan Law Group by calling 888-904-2524

Partnering with our in Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Puerto Rico insurance claims attorneys at The Morgan Law Group by calling 888-904-2524 today will give you access to a third-party public adjuster, who does not work for your insurance company, and the experienced legal representation you need to file an appeal.

If we do not produce a positive outcome for your initial insurance claim or its appeal, you do not pay our legal fees.