If your property insurance claim was refused, you have every right to contest the denial of insurance cover.
Follow these procedures to construct a solid case for appealing a denied claim:
1) Understand what your policy covers.
Denied coverage might sometimes be the consequence of a misunderstanding on the side of your insurance carrier.
If you understand your rights under your property insurance policy, you may bring any disparities to the notice of your insurance adjuster in order to challenge the rejected coverage. Any communication with your adjuster should be in writing.
2) Discover why your claim was refused.
Your insurance provider should send you an official, written latter explaining why your property insurance claim was refused.
If you don’t understand why your claim was refused or if the explanations provided are confusing or ambiguous, don’t be afraid to contact your insurance provider.
After you receive the letter, it is advisable that you seek a second opinion. Reach out to an attorney or public adjuster to have them review your claim and policy.
3) Photograph and document your loss thoroughly
Insufficient proof of loss might result in a denied claim.
Take photos of the damage from several angles and write down the time, date, and circumstances surrounding the damage. Be sure to capture the damage from a distance as well as quality close up photos.
Keep any documents that will assist you show the magnitude of your loss on hand in case your insurance company disputes it.
You do have an obligation to protect your home from further damage. Keep any invoices that are presented to you for work completed to mitigate additional damage to your property. These invoices should be presented to your insurance adjuster.
4) Request an impartial evaluation.
If you disagree with your insurance company’s evaluation of the worth and degree of damage to your property, seek an independent evaluation. Qualified professionals can assist you in this process. Public adjusters, and some contractors can provide written statements as to the scope of damage and value of your damages.
5) Demonstrate your ability to be a responsible homeowner.
Many property insurance claims are refused because of the adjuster’s knowledge of construction or building materials.
To appeal a refused claim, you must have adequate proof that you did all in your power to prevent damage to your property.
This can include records demonstrating that your home was code complaint, as well as invoices for the purchase of fire alarms and/or security systems.
One of the best ways to help yourself in the insurance claims process is to work with an advocate such as a public adjuster, attorney, or qualified contractor.
6) Submit an appeal.
You can submit an appeal with your insurance carrier and request that they re-evaluate your claim.
Make sure to do so within the appeals schedule and provide a comprehensive explanation of all the information and data you’ve acquired to back up your claim.
7) File a formal complaint.
If you are unsuccessful in appeal to your insurance carrier, you can submit a complaint with your state’s insurance board, which will investigate your refused claim.
8) Request an Appraisal.
If there is still a dispute between the parties regarding the value of the damages, some policies have an alternate dispute resolution option. This option is called appraisal. An insurance appraisal is a process that places an agreed value on the damages. This is different from an appraisal when you buy a home. Mission Property Loss Consultants or companies like Mission property Loss Consultants provide appraisal services for storm damages.