High winds are a common source of costly damage to homes, businesses, and other properties across the United States. In fact, it’s not unusual for property owners to file a wind insurance claim at some point in their lives, and it’s often important to the policyholder that the claims be paid in full under the policy so repairs can be completed promptly. But, in these situations, do you really need to get a lawyer involved just to get fair payment for the wind damage to your property?
The good news is that many wind damage claims can be easy enough to settle fairly and quickly without the help of an attorney. The bad news is that this isn’t always the case, so it makes sense to look for experienced help when you aren’t getting the results you need. The real trick is to know when to look for outside help with your claim.
When You Should Consider Talking With an Attorney About a Wind Damage Claim
If the wind damage on your property was minor, or if you understand your policy and feel comfortable negotiating a fair settlement, then you probably don’t need to contact a lawyer about your insurance claim. However, you should consider at least talking with an attorney if:
- You don’t agree about the damage. You believe your home was damaged by recent high winds, but your insurance company claims it's old damage. You believe high winds caused deeper damage to your siding, but your insurance company’s inspection only took surface damage into account. There are a lot of viewpoints regarding damage during negotiations about a wind insurance claim, and even minor disagreements about the type or extent of damage can make a huge difference in the outcome.
- You don’t agree about your coverage. You believe your damage should be covered under your policy, but the insurance company disagrees. You believe that your roof requires replacement, but your insurance company will only pay for repairs. In these kinds of situations, having someone review your claim who is experienced with coverage issues and insurance industry practices can be a big relief.
- Your insurance claim for wind damage is denied, and you don’t understand why. Insurance companies may deny wind claims for a number of reasons, but that doesn’t mean you should just accept a claim denial that you don’t understand or agree with. If your claim has been denied, an attorney can help you determine the reasons for the denial and fight for the payment you deserve.
- An insurance company acts in “bad faith” when handling your claim. An insurance company acts in “bad faith” when it unfairly denies, delays, or underpays a claim or otherwise doesn’t “play by the rules.” In these cases, an attorney can help you understand your rights, build a case against the insurance company, and file a lawsuit, if necessary.
Ultimately, don’t accept a settlement you are unhappy with until you have investigated your rights with an experienced legal professional. If your property has severe damage, or if your insurance coverage is complex, you might also benefit from speaking with an attorney even before you submit a claim. This can be especially helpful for claims involving farms, commercial buildings, condos, and other properties that often carry many layers of coverage.
Get Help With Difficult Wind Insurance Claims
Insurance company representatives sometimes tell policyholders that hiring an attorney will slow down their claims or eat up their settlements, but the truth is that an attorney can help you fight for the fair outcome you deserve. In many cases, attorneys offer a free case review to talk about the problems you’re having, even if you later decide that hiring an attorney isn’t the right solution.
If you think you might need help with a wind insurance claim, learn more about how to find the best attorney for your insurance claim case, or you can contact the Voss Law Firm today at 1-888-614-7730 for immediate answers to your questions.
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