Investing in homeowners’ insurance and property insurance is one of the best ways to protect yourself from high out-of-pocket costs. These policies are designed to provide you with the money you need to make repairs after qualifying damage happens to your property. Unfortunately, insurance companies are often in the business of trying to save as much money as possible. This leads them to offer lower settlements or to deny your claim entirely. Luckily, you may be able to appeal the decision. Here are a few steps your Michigan property insurance claim attorney wants you to follow.
Understand Why You Might Need to Appeal
Before you request an appeal of your property insurance decision, you’ll want to know exactly why you’re appealing with the insurance company. There are two main reasons that property owners may need to appeal: receiving a low or unfair insurance settlement or having the claim denied entirely.
Both are just causes and, if your insurance provider denies your claim or offers you less money than you need to cover the necessary repairs, you’ll want to file an appeal as soon as possible.
Review Your Policy Closely
Before you initiate the appeal, take a detailed look at your property insurance policy. Make sure you understand what your coverage limits are. If you received a settlement that’s lower than the actual cost of repairs but is maxed out at your coverage limit, you may not have a case for an appeal. And if your claim was denied because the damage happened as a result of an event not covered under your policy, your appeal will likely be denied as well.
If you’re struggling to figure out if you have a case, the best thing you can do is speak with an experienced property insurance claim attorney. They’ll be able to review the details and help you understand your options.
Speak With a Michigan Property Insurance Claim Attorney
Dealing with insurance companies can be stressful, but you don’t have to do it on your own. You can and should speak with a property insurance claim attorney as soon as you think you’re ready to appeal a decision. They’ll be able to review your policy, the insurance company’s decision, and the insurance adjuster’s review of the damage. Using this information, they’ll be able to represent your case with the insurance company and can handle everything from notifying the insurance provider of your requested appeal and following up with them as needed to representing you in court if you need to file a lawsuit.
Notify Your Insurance Company
If you’re certain that you want to appeal the insurance company’s decision, you’ll need to notify them of your request. If you’re doing this on your own, you’ll want to contact your insurance agent and find out what you need to do. They should be able to guide you through the process and send you any paperwork you’ll need to fill out. If you’re working with an attorney, they’ll be able to represent your interests and can help you file the appeal.
Consider Filing a Complaint With the State
If your insurance company is not receptive to the appeal or deny your claim again even when you should receive a fair settlement, you may be able to file a claim with the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services. They’ll be able to review your policy and put added pressure on the insurance company if they determine that an appeal is required.
Let Fabian, Sklar, King & Liss Help
If your insurance claim was denied and you’re interested in appealing the decision, let the experienced Michigan property insurance claim attorneys at Fabian, Sklar, King & Liss help. Our team understands the nuances of property insurance and can represent your interests with your insurance provider. Contact us to schedule a consultation.