Home insurance policies are supposed to protect you when the unthinkable happens.
However, homeowners are often shocked to discover that their claim has been denied. Insurance companies will minimize your payout any way they can, even if it means nitpicking small mistakes in the claims process or deflecting undeserved blame onto you.
Understanding common reasons why home insurance claims get denied, the tactics insurance companies employ, and your legal options can help you protect yourself in the event of a disaster.
Common Reasons Your Home Insurance Claim May Be Denied
Insurance adjusters are trained to look for reasons to deny your home insurance claim, even when it may seem obvious that you deserve coverage. Some of the most common excuses for home insurance claim denials include:
- Policy exclusions: Standard policies often exclude flood, earthquake, or mold damage. If your loss falls into one of these categories, your insurer may refuse coverage.
- Late filing: Most policies have strict rules regarding prompt notification to the insurer after damage occurs. Waiting too long can result in a denied claim.
- Insufficient documentation: If you don’t provide photos, receipts, or a clear damage report, your insurer may argue it cannot verify your losses.
- Failure to mitigate damage: Homeowners must take reasonable steps to prevent further damage, such as placing a tarp over a roof leak. Failure to take these steps can lead insurers to deny your claim.
- Disputes over cause of damage: Insurers sometimes claim that the damage was caused by something other than a covered event, such as regular wear and tear or poor maintenance.
What to Do If Your Home Insurance Claim Is Denied
If your home insurance claim gets denied, be sure to:
Review the Denial Letter Carefully
Insurers must provide a clear explanation for the denial. Understanding their reasoning is the first step to challenging it.
Check Your Home Insurance Policy
Read your policy carefully to determine if the reasons given for the denial align with what your coverage actually allows. Some insurers bank on policyholders failing to take this step.
Gather Evidence
Photos, repair estimates, and expert opinions can strengthen your case for countering the denial. Begin gathering new evidence that directly addresses the content of the denial letter.
Contact a Lawyer
A skilled home insurance claim lawyer can help you build a strong case, file an appeal, and fight unfair insurance company tactics.
How a New Orleans Attorney Can Help with Denied Home Insurance Claims
An experienced home insurance claim lawyer can:
- Analyze your policy to determine what coverage you’re entitled to
- Handle all insurance company communications
- Gather evidence and expert testimony to support your claim
- Negotiate for a fair settlement
- Take your claim to court, if necessary
Working with a skilled attorney not only gives you a strategic advantage when appealing a denied claim but also reduces the stress of dealing with your insurer on your own.
Contact a New Orleans Home Insurance Claim Lawyer Today
Was your home insurance claim denied?
Don’t give up without a fight. The New Orleans property damage attorneys at Insurance Claim HQ know what it takes to counter insurance company disputes and appeal denied claims.
Contact us today for your free consultation.
