When you purchased your homeowner’s insurance policy, you did it with the goal of protecting your investment. This type of coverage helps pay for repairs and replacements if your home is damaged in a qualifying (covered) event like a fire, hailstorm, or other disaster. While most home insurance providers honor their policies and provide reasonable settlement offers, some homeowners may struggle to get the money they need or may find that their claim was denied outright.
If your insurance company denies your claim, there’s always something you can do and your Michigan property insurance claim attorney can help. Here are the steps you’ll likely want to take after receiving notice of a denial.
Figure Out Why Your Claim Was Denied
Before you take any action, find out why your insurance claim was denied. You should have this information in the denial letter you received from your insurance provider. If anything is confusing or you’ve misplaced the letter, reach out to your insurance agent. They’ll be able to go over everything and explain the reasons behind the company’s denial in detail.
Be sure to ask any questions during your call and take notes as needed. The more information you have at your disposal, the better off you’ll be. Keep in mind that there are several common reasons why a claim may be denied, and many of those reasons have simple solutions that your insurance agent can help you with. Often, once you fix the issue and submit an appeal, the insurance provider will issue you a settlement.
Gather Evidence
If your claim was denied and you believe you’re entitled to a payout, start gathering as much evidence as you can. Document the damage your home suffered, compile any repair estimates you received from contractors, and review your policy to make sure the damage your home suffered qualifies as a covered event. The more documentation you can provide, the stronger your case will be, and the more likely your insurance company will be to honor your claim.
Speak With a Michigan Property Insurance Claim Attorney
Claim denials can be appealed, but it’s almost always a good idea to speak with a Michigan property insurance claim attorney before you initiate the appeal process. They have the training and experience to help you determine if filing an appeal is in your best interest and will be successful.
If they review your case and determine that appealing the decision is the right move, they’ll be able to represent your interests with your insurance provider. This can spare you stress and ensures that someone deeply familiar with the industry can negotiate with your insurance provider and increase the chances of you getting a fair payment.
File an Appeal
Once you decide to move forward and have an attorney to represent your interests, you’ll want to file the appeal with your insurance provider. Your attorney may be able to do this on your behalf as your legal representative. Keep in mind that the appeal process differs from provider to provider. It may take a while for the company to process your appeal and reach a decision.
Sue if Necessary and Legally Sound
If your insurance provider denies your appeal, you and your attorney can decide if suing the company is the right move. They’ll look at your case, the reason for the appeal’s denial, the details of your coverage, and other factors to help you reach a decision. If you choose to sue the insurance company, the process may take several months to a year to resolve. But if the lawsuit is successful, you could get the money you need (and possibly more) to cover your losses.
Let Fabian, Sklar, King & Liss Help
Facing an insurance claim denial can feel like the end of the world, but it doesn’t have to be. Working with a Michigan property insurance claim attorney can increase your chances of getting the settlement you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.