Understanding Your Rights: What to Do When Your Insurance Claim is Denied

If you have property damage, it can be a very stressful situation for you and/or your family. Whether it be from a hurricane or tropical storm or from an accidental event, the last thing that you expect is for your insurer to deny an insurance claim it may owe, and they avoid an obligation they otherwise should pay. The Chad T. Wilson Law Firm represents policyholders and fights insurers that unfairly deny their insureds’ claims. This legal rights checklist will show you how to combat an insurance denial.

Know Why Claims Get Denied

Knowing some of the reasons why the majority of claims are denied will help structure your approach.

• Policy Exclusions: All policies have certain coverages, and certain exclusions. Understanding these may help to discern whether your claim fits into these exclusions.

• Lack of Evidence: If your claim cannot be proven, then a carrier may deny a claim. Here are some possible rationale for claim denial: Insufficient Documentation: If you can’t substantiate the damage or loss, it won’t be paid for.

Review Your Insurance Policy

In a perfect world, you will have already reviewed your policy whether your claim has been denied or not. In the event your claim IS denied, review your insurance policy in depth. 

• Understand Your Coverage: Review the specifics of what your policy covers.

• Limits to Policy: If you know your coverage limits, you’ll be better able to gauge if your claim is too large for your policy.

• Examine the Exclusions: Be aware of what is explicitly excluded from your policy.

Appeal the Denial

If you believe the claim was unjustly denied, you may have the right to appeal depending on your policy language.

• Contact your Insurer: Request an explanation of the denial and a statement that the decision can be appealed. Most states require an insurance carrier make formal notice of the determination of your claim.

• Formal Written Appeal: Submit an appeal as per your policy language. 

• Collect all of your documentation: photos, repair estimates and copies of your insurance adjuster correspondence.

Consult with a Property Insurance Attorney

If you feel like you are not receiving a fair resolution to your claim, then it may be necessary to contact an attorney to review your claim. At the Chad T Wilson Law Firm we offer free consultations. Our attorneys are insurance coverage specialists who fight insurance companies on behalf of policyholders every day, winning precedent setting cases along the way.

How Chad T. Wilson Law Firm Can Help

• Background: We are an insurance law firm that specializes in representing insureds against property insurance companies when the insurance company has denied a claim.

• Recuperation under No Fee Promise: no recovery, No Fees; all cases handled on a contingency basis.

• Free Case Review: Upon an initial free consultation of your case, we will assess and provide you with guidance and advice regarding your situation.

Practice Areas

The Chad T. Wilson Law Firm represents policyholders in various types of insurance disputes:

• Hail Damage Claims

• Commercial & Large Loss Claims

• Windstorm Claims

• Water Damage & Frozen Pipe Claims

• Fire & Smoke Damage Claims

• Hurricane Damage Claims

Final Thoughts

The refusal of an insurance company to pay out on a claim is an aggravating and frustrating experience. However, policyholders should remember that a denial is not the final answer. If you understand your policy, you can challenge the decision and get legal help to support your position. 

The Chad T. Wilson Law Firm is ready to represent you in your fight with the insurance company. Schedule your free consultation today so that we can help you get the justice you deserve.

Keep in mind: you’re not in this alone. Arm yourself with information, equip yourself with a good attorney team, and you will come out of the claims denied fight victorious.