FAQs About Residential Property Insurance Claims
Below are some frequently asked questions about Residential Property Insurance Claims:
What Steps Should I Take After My Home Is Damaged?
You should promptly report the damage to your insurance company, cooperate with your insurer’s investigation of your claim, provide requested information and documentation, and take reasonable steps to prevent further damage to your property. Your insurer must conduct a reasonable investigation of your claim, act fairly in the claim handling process, pay for damage to your home covered by your policy, and provide you a reasonable explanation of the basis in the policy for its decision to deny your claim, or offer to settle or pay your claim, in whole or in part.
Your insurance policy will set forth the amount of time you have to report damages following a loss. You must comply with these deadlines, or you may lose your right to recover.
How Should I Deal With My Insurance Adjuster?
While you must cooperate with your insurance company during the claims process, you do not have to defer to the adjuster assigned to your claim by the insurance company. When your insurance company sends an adjuster, take their card, and write down their full name and contact information, state license number, and the purpose of their visit. Make sure to ask the adjuster to look in all rooms and areas of your home that you believe may have sustained damage. Ask the insurance company or adjuster for a copy of any photos taken by the adjuster and the estimate prepared by the adjuster. Provide this information to your residential property insurance claim attorney.
The bottom line is that adjusters work for your insurance company and not you. At McLaurin Law, we work for you and guide you through the claim process.
What If The Cause Of The Damage Is Not Clear?
Your insurance policy only provides coverage for damage caused by covered events. Texas law places the burden of proof on you (the homeowner) to prove the cause of damage. If the insurance company decides your damage resulted from an uncovered event, it may deny coverage. To pursue legal action against your insurance company with all the necessary evidence to support your claim, you need a residential property damage lawyer to assist you.
If there is any question about whether the cause of your damage is covered under your policy, speak with one of our residential property insurance claims lawyers today. We have the necessary experience to investigate the cause on your behalf and challenge your insurer's incorrect determinations to help you seek and recover the compensation you are rightfully owed.
Are There Other Options Besides Suing My Insurance Company?
Yes. A residential property insurance lawyer at McLaurin Law can provide a detailed description of your other options during your free strategy session. Generally, you can resolve your differences in either mediation or arbitration. In either scenario, your insurer will likely have experienced counsel on its side, so you will want to have legal representation as well.
Our law firm has over a decade of experience handling insurance law claims during mediation, arbitration, and in court if necessary.
When you need more than luck, call McLaurin Law at (713) 461-6500 or complete the online form to schedule a free strategy session with an experienced residential property insurance claims attorney today.
