What to do After a Home Insurance Claim is Denied

After a disaster or accident, your home can be a place of chaos and confusion. When something unforeseen happens that damages your property, you expect your homeowner’s insurance policy to come to the rescue. But what happens if your home insurance claim is denied? It can be a stressful and bewildering time. But don’t despair. There are several steps you can take to tackle this challenge.

1. Understand the Reason for Denial

The first step is to understand why your claim was denied. Your insurer will provide a letter of explanation, so read it thoroughly. Claims can be denied for a variety of reasons. It might be due to a coverage issue, missed premium payments, or the damage might be due to a reason not covered under your policy. Understanding the specific reason for denial will guide your next steps.

2. Review Your Insurance Policy

Once you know why your claim was denied, go back and review your policy carefully. Insurance contracts are notoriously complex and dense, but it’s important to understand what is and isn’t covered. Make sure to check your policy’s declarations page, which summarizes your coverages, limits, and deductibles. Remember, not all home insurance policies are created equal, so don’t assume that a certain type of damage is covered.

3. Gather Evidence and Documentation

If you believe that your claim was wrongfully denied, start gathering evidence to support your claim. This can include pictures and videos of the damage, receipts of items damaged, contractor estimates for repairs, and any other relevant documentation. The more concrete evidence you have to support your claim, the better your chances of overturning the denial.

4. Contact Your Insurance Agent or Company

Once you’ve reviewed your policy and gathered your evidence, it’s time to reach out to your insurance agent or company. Try to have a calm and detailed discussion about the reason for the claim denial. Explain why you believe your claim should be covered, and provide them with the evidence you’ve gathered. They may be able to help you understand the denial, rectify any miscommunications or errors, or advise you on the appeal process.

5. File an Appeal

If discussions with your insurer don’t resolve the issue, your next step should be to formally appeal the claim denial. Make sure to do this in writing, stating your case clearly and providing all the evidence you’ve gathered. Each company has its own appeals process, so make sure to follow it exactly. It can be a good idea to send this letter by certified mail, to ensure it gets to the right place and to have proof it was sent and received.

6. Seek Assistance from a Public Adjuster or Attorney

If your appeal is denied or the amount you’re offered is still not satisfactory, you might consider seeking professional help. A public adjuster can help you navigate the complexities of insurance claims and advocate for you in dealings with the insurance company. Our team here at Harrell Adjusting Services offers exactly that. Alternatively, a lawyer specializing in insurance law can help you understand your legal rights and possibly represent you in a lawsuit against your insurer if it comes to that.

7. Contact Your State Insurance Department

If all else fails, your state insurance department can provide guidance and possibly intervene on your behalf. They regulate insurance companies and ensure they operate in accordance with the law. If they find that your insurer has acted in bad faith or violated insurance regulations, they can take action.

Keep Calm and Stay Informed

Remember, it’s important not to get discouraged if your home insurance claim is initially denied. Insurance companies are in the business of risk management, and sometimes that means denying claims that they believe are outside of the coverage. But by understanding the reasons, carefully reviewing your policy, documenting the damage, communicating with your insurance company, and seeking professional help if necessary, you can improve your chances of having your claim approved.

In the end, remember that prevention is the best policy. Keep your home well-maintained, update your insurance coverage as needed, and make sure you understand your policy and the insurance company claims process before disaster strikes. This will put you in the best possible position to navigate the home insurance claim process successfully.

Harrell Adjusting Services: Guiding You Through the Next Steps

Don’t let a claim denial be the end of the story. You have options, rights, and resources at your disposal. Stay patient and persistent, and take the steps necessary to ensure that you get the coverage you deserve. And if you need a little more help with your homeowner’s insurance claim, give us a call. We’ll listen to your story and help map out the next steps.