Theft crimes can be among the most devastating personal losses a homeowner or vehicle owner can face. Between the violation of your private space and the loss of items you value, you’re likely feeling upset, frustrated, and unsure of what to do next. When your insurance company adds to your harm by delaying or denying the payment you deserve, you need to understand your rights and how to proceed.
At Insurance Claim HQ, a New Orleans theft claim lawyer can guide you through the claim process and help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Our attorneys understand what you’re going through and are dedicated to protecting your rights as a policyholder. As a well-recognized, reputable law firm, we’ve recovered over $1 billion for our clients in insurance claim disputes and will do everything possible to maximize your recovery.
If you want a second opinion or are dissatisfied with your insurer’s response to your claim for property theft, contact us at ICHQ today to get the legal support you need.
How a New Orleans Theft Claim Lawyer Can Help with Your Case
Experiencing property theft can be a distressing situation. Whether the loss involves personal belongings, a vehicle, or other valuables, the process of filing a claim can be overwhelming.
A New Orleans theft claim lawyer from ICHQ can help you understand your rights when filing an insurance claim to replace your stolen property. They will review your insurance policy, explain what coverage applies to your situation, guide you through the claims process, and handle communication with the insurance company.
The team at ICHQ is committed to providing the client-oriented representation you deserve when you’re faced with the devastating loss of property due to theft. We will be there to provide the support you need and fight for your rights as a policyholder. Best of all, you pay nothing for us to get started; we only collect attorney’s fees if we recover compensation on your insurance claim.
What Is the Process of a Theft Claim in Louisiana?
In order to seek compensation for theft-related losses, you need to report the theft to your insurance company. You’ll do this by filing a theft claim. These claims can cover a variety of stolen items, from personal belongings to business property, depending on the type of insurance policy you have. You must show evidence of the theft, such as police reports or documentation of the missing property.
The claim process typically begins with notifying your insurer of the theft and providing all necessary information, including an inventory of the stolen items. Your insurance company will then investigate the claim to determine its validity. Your policy’s terms and conditions will affect the final payout. Each insurance policy outlines specific definitions for theft, so reviewing your coverage is important.
In some instances, you may need legal assistance to challenge a theft claim denied by your insurer.
What Stolen Items Could Be Covered Under My Insurance Policy?
What insurance covers in a theft claim depends entirely on your policy. Each policy outlines specific items that qualify for coverage, so it’s necessary to review the terms of your policy in detail.
Many insurance policies will cover a range of personal and business items that are stolen during a theft incident. Common examples of stolen items that might be covered include the following:
- Electronics such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets
- Jewelry, including engagement rings and watches
- Personal belongings like clothing or luggage
- Appliances or furniture stolen from a home
- Vehicles, including cars, bicycles, motorcycles, and boats
- Business equipment, such as computers and office furniture
Some policies also provide compensation in cases of vandalism, where some property may be damaged rather than stolen. Be sure to review the exclusions in your policy to understand what may not be covered. If you’re unsure about your coverage, a lawyer from ICHQ can help you review your policy terms.
What Are the Possible Exceptions for Theft Claims Under My Insurance Policy?
Insurance policies often include specific exceptions for theft claims, which can limit or exclude certain types of losses. These exceptions depend on the wording of your policy.
One common exception involves claims that the property was left unattended or unlocked, such as a car with its windows down or doors unlocked. Another frequent exclusion is for high-value items like fine art, expensive jewelry, or collectibles unless you have special coverage for those assets. Some policies may also exclude coverage for theft involving certain types of items used for business purposes, unless you have business insurance.
Additionally, certain types of theft claims may be denied if there’s no clear evidence of forced entry or if the theft occurred in a location not covered by your policy, like a second home. Reviewing your policy’s exclusions will help you understand what situations may not qualify for reimbursement under your theft coverage.
What Legal Rights Do I Have as an Insurance Policyholder in Louisiana?
As an insurance policyholder in Louisiana, you have legal rights that protect you when filing a theft claim. The Louisiana Insurance Code provides specific protections for policyholders by requiring insurance companies to handle claims fairly and promptly.
For example, Louisiana insurers must pay claims within 30 days of receiving satisfactory proof of loss from policyholders. If they fail to meet this deadline without a valid reason, they may face penalties, including paying additional compensation to the policyholder.
Additionally, Louisiana law imposes a duty on insurance companies to act in good faith and deal fairly with their policyholders. If an insurer unreasonably delays or denies a claim, they could be subject to penalties and attorney fees. This law protects you if your insurer acts in bad faith by refusing to pay a valid claim, offering an unreasonably low settlement, or ignoring the evidence you provide.
These laws aim to balance the power between policyholders and insurers by helping you hold your insurance company accountable. If you believe your rights have been violated during the claim process, a New Orleans theft claim attorney at ICHQ can guide you through enforcing these protections and securing the compensation you deserve.
In the context of insurance claims, “bad faith” refers to an insurer’s failure to fulfill its obligations to its policyholders. Insurance companies must act honestly and fairly when handling claims. When they don’t, they may be acting in bad faith, which violates both the insurance contract and Louisiana law.
Bad faith can involve either delaying the processing of a valid claim or outright denying it without a legitimate reason. This conduct often leaves policyholders struggling to recover the compensation they are entitled to under their policy.
Examples of bad faith in theft claims include an insurer:
- Unreasonably denying a claim without investigating the facts
- Offering a settlement that is far below the actual value of the stolen property
- Delaying payment without providing an explanation
- Misinterpreting policy terms to avoid coverage
- Requiring excessive and unnecessary documentation to process the claim
- Ignoring important evidence
If your denied theft claim seems unjustified or you experience delays in receiving compensation, your insurer may be acting in bad faith. When this happens, you have the right to take legal action to recover not only the full value of your claim but also additional compensation for harm caused by the insurer’s misconduct.
Louisiana law generally gives you 10 years to sue your insurer for bad-faith insurance practices, but there could be exceptions that may reduce the time to file a lawsuit to as little as two years. Contact ICHQ today to learn more about your options.
When you discover that your property is missing, it’s important to take quick action to protect your claim and improve your likelihood of recovering your losses. Filing a theft claim requires taking the following key steps so your insurer has all the necessary information to process your claim properly:
- File a Police Report – Report the theft to the police as soon as possible. A police report provides crucial documentation that insurers often require as part of the claim process. Include as many details as you can about the stolen items and the circumstances surrounding the theft.
- Notify Your Insurance Company – Next, contact your insurance company and notify them of the theft. Many policies require prompt reporting, so don’t wait. When you contact your insurer, provide a copy of the police report and a list of the stolen items, including any receipts, photos, or other documentation that proves ownership and value.
- Cooperate with the Investigation – After you file the claim, your insurer may assign an adjuster to investigate. Cooperate fully and provide any additional information they request. Keep detailed records of all communications and documents you send to the insurance company.
Remain in contact with your insurer and monitor the progress of your claim. If any issues arise, such as delays or a low settlement offer, reach out to a New Orleans theft claim lawyer at ICHQ to discuss your legal options.
Proof of loss refers to the documentation you provide to your insurance company to support your theft claim. In keeping with Louisiana law, policies require policyholders to submit a sworn statement that lists the details of the stolen items, including their value, to initiate the claim process.
