Making a home insurance claim is no easy task, but there’s little room for error. You need every dollar you can get to rebuild your home, replace lost belongings, and get by while the repairs are being completed.
When you’re dealing with a small or relatively straightforward claim, it doesn’t always make sense to hire a home insurance lawyer. However, there are cases where it makes a lot of sense to get help. If you have a substantial claim, such as a total loss, hiring someone to help you through the insurance claims process can make a significant difference in terms of how much money you receive from the insurer in the end.
The size of the claim isn’t the only reason you should get help. These are five more reasons you should consider legal help with your claim.
#1 You’ve Received an Unfair Offer
It’s not too late to get help when you receive an offer. If you feel that the offer from the insurance company is unfair or too small to cover the expenses you’re going to face, it’s time to bring in someone who understands how to push back against the insurer.
Your insurance policy should pay to rebuild your home, but construction costs have been rising rapidly. Those costs can wind up coming out of your pocket if you don’t receive an adequate offer from the insurer.
#2 You’re Struggling with Your Emotional Recovery
Filing a home insurance claim involves a lot of work on the homeowner’s part. You have to create a Proof of Loss document that details all of the damages, including lost belongings, and review the insurance adjuster’s valuations.
Meanwhile, you’re recovering emotionally. If you’ve lost a loved one or a beloved family pet in a fire, the emotional recovery can be challenging even without dealing with the insurance. Even if everyone made it out okay, losing your home is still a difficult experience, and adding stress to your life may not be a good idea.
#3 You’re Dealing with a Language Barrier
The insurance adjuster’s demands can be very confusing and stressful for someone who struggles with the language. While leaning on family members for translation can help, even fluent and native speakers can struggle with the complicated legal language of the process. An insurance lawyer on your side can help explain difficult legal language.
#4 The Insurer Tries to Deny Coverage
The insurer may believe that they have a case for denying coverage altogether. One reason they may use to exclude certain damages is poor maintenance. For example, a deck or roof hasn’t been replaced in decades, and the insurance company could claim an exclusion if it’s damaged in a windstorm.
#5 A Third-Party Is Involved
When a fire starts on a neighboring property and spreads to yours, it can complicate your claim. If it’s determined that the neighbor was liable for the fire starting (for example, they left a barbecue unattended on the deck), then the neighbor and their insurance company may be responsible for the damages done to your home.
In most cases, your insurance company provides you with coverage under your policy, and the insurance company takes it upon themselves to sue for damages. This can be a much easier process for the homeowner, but if your coverage limits don’t pay for the full extent of the damages, you may still have your own legal options that an insurance lawyer can walk you through.
If any of these five situations apply to your home insurance claim, consider getting the help of an insurance lawyer.
