Insurance disputes or denials can be incredibly difficult to handle because they occur at a time when you need help the most. Your business is flooded, you're unable to open, you have no income to pay the rent . . . and your insurance company, who is supposed to be on your side, is giving you trouble.
Is there any way to avoid this situation? Unfortunately, not always. There are still a few things you can do to help yourself in the event you ever have to file a commercial insurance claim.
- Make sure you understand your policy backward and forward. Very few people actually truly understand their insurance policies. It can feel like there are so many exceptions to what you think is the rule and those exceptions can be unwelcome surprises after your business has been damaged. Ask your insurance agent any and every question you can think of. Give him or her example scenarios and then ask if your insurance would cover you in that situation.
- You can never have too much evidence. When filing your commercial insurance claim, submit anything and everything you have to back it up. Prove what the damage was, what it was caused by and what the repercussions were. Insurance companies love to say there was not enough proof, so give them more than they need so that's the last thing they can say.
- Stay in communication with your insurance company. Don't just get your policy written and then disappear. Reach out with questions once in a while and get in touch with them if you make any changes to your business that may require a small tweak to your policy. Develop a good relationship with your insurance agent. It doesn't work in every situation, but it can't hurt to have your insurance agent in your corner when it's time to file a claim.
If you still find yourself dealing with a denied commercial insurance claim, it's time to contact The Voss Law Firm for a free consultation at 888-614-7730.
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