As a homeowner in Texas, it is important to be prepared for the unexpected. One way to do this is to calculate the value of your home and its contents in case you need to file an insurance claim. Our legal experts at The Voss Law Firm wanted to use this opportunity to discuss best practices when filing an insurance claim in Texas to ensure that you do not find yourself in an insurance claim dispute.
Recording a video or taking photos of your home and property can make a big difference in how smoothly the claims process goes. Home insurance policies usually cover damages caused by events such as fire, storm, and theft. If you have a property damage claim, your insurance company will send a corrector to assess the damage and determine how much your policy will pay.
Filing a homeowners insurance claim can be intimidating
When you have damage to your home or business, it can be annoying. Dealing with your insurance company can be incredibly stressful, especially if you’ve never had to file a claim before. You may not know what type of coverage you have, or how to navigate the insurance claim process. If you have a complete and up-to-date inventory of your belongings, the adjuster will be able to process your claim more quickly. Additionally, if you need to replace any of your possessions, having inventory will make it easier to determine how much insurance coverage you need. Taking these steps can save you a lot of time and stress if you ever need to file a homeowner’s insurance claim.
Keep your insurance up to date
Once you have a rough estimate of what your belongings are worth, check at least once a year with your insurance broker or agent to make sure you have adequate insurance. If circumstances change — such as owning a dog, remodeling your home, or buying expensive jewelry or antiques — you may need to increase your coverage. However, before you file a claim, it is important to compare the value of your loss to your insurance deduction and any annual deduction for the premium. If the value of your loss is less than your security deposit, it may not be worth making a claim. However, if the value of your loss is greater than the value of your insurance discount and you have a good chance of receiving a discount on the premium, it may be worth making a claim. Either way, it is important to consult with your insurance agent to determine whether or not a claim is right for you.
What happens if my claim is denied?
If a homeowner’s insurance claim is denied, it can be frustrating and confusing. But it is important that you take the time to understand why the claim was rejected, and whether or not it was justified. The first step is to read the rejection letter well. Most insurance companies will state the specific reason or reasons for the refusal in the letter. Then take a look at your policy document. Make sure the information in the rejection letter matches what your coverage is supposed to be under the policy. If there is a discrepancy, you may wish to contact your insurance company to ask for clarification. In some cases, the denial of an insurance claim can be appealed. But it is important to make sure that you have a strong case before going forward with the appeal. Some of the main reasons for your claim to be denied include:
- Lack of proper maintenance
- Insufficient documents
- Missing registration deadlines
- excluded events
- suspected of fraud
If you think your claim is valid but your insurance company doesn’t agree, you have a few options. First, you can try to negotiate with the insurance company. If they still refuse to budge, you can hire a lawyer to help you fight for the compensation you deserve. If you want to ensure that you receive full compensation for damages to your property, seeking legal compensation through an attorney may be the best option. The attorney will be able to help you gather evidence and build a strong case against the insurance company. Voss Law Firm offers a free, no-obligation consultation to assist with your claim for denied, delayed or unpaid insurance. Start reading your copy of our free book, Your Essential Guide to Residential Claims. If we can’t recover, you owe us nothing!
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