What if Allstate Denied My Homeowners Insurance Claim?

If Allstate denied your homeowners insurance claim, you have options. You can collect additional evidence that supports your claim and file a complaint with the appropriate agency. Identify why your claim was denied, collect new evidence, consult relevant experts, and follow the steps outlined in your policy for filing an appeal.

A denied claim can add to the stress of an already trying situation. You do not have to fight for the benefits of your insurance coverage on your own. If you file a claim with your homeowners insurance and Allstate denies it, a Corpus Christi homeowners’ insurance claims lawyer can help you appeal. After a no-cost review of your claim, a local law firm can clarify your rights and your insurer’s obligations. 

How to Appeal an Allstate Homeowners Insurance Claim Denial

Allstate’s initial denial of your claim is not the final step. You can continue to seek compensation by filing an appeal. Start by carefully examining why the insurance adjuster denied your claim alongside a complete copy of your policy. 

If a side-by-side comparison suggests your claim was valid, you can file an appeal by taking the following steps:

• Read the appeals policy in your insurance contract and follow its steps
• Build a strong case file that contains previous and new evidence
• Write a detailed, well-documented letter of appeal and send it to Allstate
• Meet all notification and filing deadlines, per your policy terms

Insurance companies have their bottom line in mind when handling claims. Consider hiring a Corpus Christi insurance claims lawyer to represent you. They can guide you through each step of the appeals process and keep your best interests at the forefront of your case.

Track Original and Supplemental Evidence That Supports Your Appeal

Like all insurance companies, Allstate will demand proof of the damage to your home before considering your claim. Helpful evidence can include:

• Before-and-after photos and video
• Receipts for temporary housing
• Receipts for boarding your home
• Police, fire, and other official reports
• A completed Proof of Loss statement

If Allstate denied your claim due to insufficient proof of its validity, you can add additional evidence to your appeal. Carefully review the evidence you previously submitted and collect supplemental evidence with help from legal representation.

Document Why Allstate Denied Your Homeowners Insurance Claim

Allstate must tell you why the insurance adjuster denied your claim in writing. Keep this document and provide your lawyer with a copy. This is the start of creating a paper trail that can establish the validity of your claim. 

Common reasons insurance providers deny claims include:

• The property damage occurred during a lapse in coverage
• You have exceeded your coverage limits
• The specific type of damage is not a covered loss
• The damage stems from ordinary wear and tear or lack of maintenance
• You filed your homeowner’s insurance claim too late
• Your claim lacked sufficient evidence or documentation

Allstate has been cited as one of the stingiest homeowners insurance companies amid claims that it consistently evades compensating policyholders for valid claims. If Allstate denied your claim, you can fight for a favorable outcome with a comprehensive appeal.

What To Do if Bad Faith Tactics Marred Your Allstate Homeowners Claim

Unfortunately, some insurance companies use unscrupulous methods to deny or delay legitimate claims. Allstate’s denial of your claim could meet the criteria of bad faith practices if it involved:

• Creating unwarranted delays
• Denying a legitimate claim
• Falsifying all or part of your policy
• Making an unreasonably low settlement offer

This list is inexhaustive. Your legal counsel can clarify whether you are a victim of bad faith tactics and outline your recovery options. You can also report acts of bad faith or file an official complaint with the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI), which might be able to intervene on your behalf. 

Coverage You Can Expect From a Standard Homeowners Insurance Policy

Homeowners insurance typically covers a range of damaging incidents. Others may require specialized add-ons, like a separate flood insurance policy. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), basic coverage generally includes:

• Coverage for your primary dwelling
• Coverage for landscaping and outbuildings
• Coverage for your personal property
• Liability protection for injuries to others
• Additional living expenses for your family

If your original claim request meets these parameters and should have been approved, you can appeal Allstate’s decision. 

The Benefits of Hiring a Lawyer to Appeal a Denied Allstate Homeowners Insurance Claim

When an attorney represents you, they take on all the moving parts of your claim. Your Corpus Christi property insurance claims lawyer can handle all verbal, written, and electronic forms of communication. They will handle the entire claims process on your behalf, including:

• Examining your policy and any add-on or optional coverage
• Assessing why Allstate denied your initial claim 
• Collecting detailed records to supplement your case file
• Reviewing your original application for typos and other errors 
• Obtaining, completing, and submitting all necessary appeal forms

After you receive notice of your claim denial, avoid saying or signing anything. Instead, let your attorney speak on your behalf. This could protect you from a speedy but flawed settlement or an unprincipled insurance adjuster.

Insurance Claims Lawyers Often Work on a Contingency Fee Basis

Many insurance claims attorneys in Texas work on a no-win no-fee basis. This client-friendly fee structure means you can file your appeal without delay. It also means you get beneficial legal support right from the start.

You’ll pay nothing upfront or out of pocket. Instead, your lawyer will accept a percentage of your compensation as their fee. If your appeal does not result in a financial award, you will not owe any legal or attorney fees. 

Our Consultation Team Will Review Your Denied Homeowners Claim for Free

If you filed a valid claim with your homeowners insurance company, you are entitled to the compensation your policy provides. If Allstate denied your homeowners insurance claim, you do not have to accept that denial as a final decision. 

Learn more about how our law firm can help you appeal a denied application. Contact our team at Carrigan & Anderson, PLLC today for a free initial consultation.