A hurricane is one of the most destructive forces in nature. It can destroy homes and even a whole community in a short period of time. This loss of property usually causes emotional strain. But when you have insurance coverage, it may bring some peace of mind.
However, some insurers may cause double pain or add more stress by denying your claims or giving inadequate payouts. At times like this, you should contact an experienced hurricane damage lawyer.
Here are the best steps to take in case your claim is denied by the insurance company.
Sue the insurance company
When the insurance company denies your hurricane damage claim, you can take legal action by suing them. Sometimes they can give meaningless reasons for rejecting your claim.
Since the insurance company is a business, they are always after money. They will not wish to pay more on claims because they will be losing a lot and making less, and for this reason, sometimes they are hesitant or resistant to policyholders when handling their claims.
It is therefore good for the client to know that when filing a claim for hurricane damage, they should not believe or expect that the insurance company will always be on their side or will do the right thing. They may even go ahead and reject your claims with excuses like the damage in question existed before and there was no preventive action taken, or they will keep on postponing your issue.
If this is the case, it is good to get a good lawyer and take the insurance company to court to pursue appropriate compensation.
Review your policy
Sometimes insurance companies may refuse to compensate your claim because the hurricane damage in question may not be covered.
It is good to know exactly what your insurance policy covers. Sometimes policyholders take insurance companies to court without understanding the policy coverage well. So, it is good to review and understand your policy coverage. Insurance companies will not cover damages that are not covered by their policy.
It is advisable to take an insurance policy that will cover all your damages when a hurricane occurs. It’s good to have a homeowners insurance policy for wind and floods to be on the safe side.
Bargain for fair compensation
Negotiating with your insurance company is also one of the best things to do to receive a fair settlement. You can try to bargain for fair compensation, though it is not guaranteed the insurance company in question will agree. It is good to try this before taking legal action.
Mostly, when you bargain with the insurance company, they will lowball you with offers that are below your expectations or even cause forced delays.
It is also important for policyholders to note that when you are in the process of negotiating with your insurer; note the visit dates, keep the email (in case you communicated via mail), and also document every detail (if you had a meeting with them). This may help for future reference in court. It is also good to have a lawyer who will help keep the insurance adjuster in check.
Ask for support from FEMA
Sometimes, after a hurricane, you may find out that the damage doesn’t fall under the insurance coverage. In this case, you cannot sue the insurance company.
It will be good for you to look for help with FEMA. They can offer financial aid after suffering damages from a hurricane. FEMA provides disaster assistance to individuals, families, and businesses whose properties have been damaged and helps them get back on their feet.
Final Thoughts
It is therefore good for people who live in hurricane-prone zones to pay for a combination insurance policy to avoid unnecessary arguments and incomplete compensation. Many insurance companies usually deny their clients’ claims. You cannot back down when this happens. You have to step up and fight for the compensation you’re rightfully entitled to.
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