As a Texas homeowner, it's 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 make an insurance claim. Our legal experts at The Voss Law Firm wanted to use this opportunity to discuss best practices when filing a Texas insurance claim to make sure you don't find yourself in an insurance claim dispute.
Taking a video or photo inventory of your home and belongings can make a big difference in how smoothly the claims process goes. Home insurance policies typically cover damage from events like fires, storms, and theft. If you have a property damage claim, your insurance company will send an adjuster to assess the damage and determine how much your policy will pay.
Filing a Homeowners Insurance Claim Can be Daunting
When you have damage to your home or business, it can be unerving. Dealing with your insurance company can be incredibly stressful, especially if you've never had to file a claim before. You might not know what kind 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. In addition, if you need to replace any of your belongings, having an inventory will make it easier to determine how much insurance coverage you need. Taking these steps now 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 in at least once a year with your insurance broker or agent to ensure you have enough insurance. If circumstances have changed—like you got a dog, remodeled your home or acquired expensive jewelry or antiques—you might need to increase your coverage. However, before making a claim, it's important to compare the value of your loss to your insurance deductible and any annual premium discount. If the value of your loss is less than your insurance deductible, it may not be worth making a claim. However, if the value of your loss is greater than your insurance deductible and you have a good chance of receiving a premium discount, it may be worth making a claim. Either way, it's important to consult with your insurance agent to determine whether or not making a claim is right for you.
What Happens If My Claim Is Denied?
If you've had a homeowner insurance claim denied, it can be frustrating and confusing. But it's important to take the time to understand why the claim was denied, and whether or not it was justified. The first step is to read the denial letter thoroughly. Most insurance companies will state the specific reason or reasons for the denial in the letter. Then, take a look at your policy document. Confirm that the information in the denial letter matches up with what your coverage is supposed to be according to the policy. If there's a discrepancy, you may want to reach out to your insurance company to ask for clarification. In some cases, an insurance claim denial can be appealed. But it's important to make sure you have a solid case before moving forward with an appeal. Some of the main reasons why your claim might have been denied include:
- Lack of proper maintence
- Insufficient documentation
- Missing filing deadlines
- Excluded events
- Suspected fraud
If you believe that your claim is valid but your insurance company disagrees, you have a few options. First, you can try to negotiate with the insurance company. If they still refuse to budge, you can hire an attorney to help you fight for the compensation you deserve. If you want to ensure that you receive full compensation for your property damage, seeking legal remedy through an attorney may be the best option. An attorney will be able to help you gather evidence and build a strong case against the insurance company. The Voss Law Firm offers FREE, no obligation consultation to help with your denied, delayed, or underpaid insurance claim. Start reading your copy of our free book, Your Essential Guide to Residential Claims. If we cant get a recovery, you owe us nothing!
