What if My Hurricane Damage Claim Is Denied by Insurance?

Hurricanes are known for leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. A successful insurance claim is typically crucial for recovering from this type of loss. The payments made by insurance companies can cover everything from the cost of repairing your roof to cleaning up water damage from your floor. Given how important this compensation can be, what happens if the insurance company denies your claim?

You have legal options when the insurer sends you a claim denial letter. In many cases, it is possible to negotiate with the carrier or provide them with additional documentation to strengthen your claim. When that is unsuccessful, a hurricane damage claims lawyer in Corpus Christi could help you pursue a lawsuit against the insurance company. 

An Attorney Can Help You Resolve Your Denied Insurance Claim

You do not have to deal with the insurance provider on your own after receiving a denial letter. In fact, you have the opportunity to push for a better outcome if the insurer accepts your claim but makes an unreasonably low offer. The right legal team could assist you in a variety of ways following a hurricane. 

Advising You of Your Rights Under the Policy

The terms of your insurance policy will largely determine your rights in these cases. Your insurance company has obligations they must meet, and any failure to do so could provide you with a case for compensation. There are also protections written into the law, including a prohibition on the carrier acting in bad faith when handling your claim. 

Collecting Evidence Establishing the Validity of Your Claim

Often, insurance claim denials are based on a lack of evidence. Whether your insurance company has given you the opportunity to provide evidence of damage is another question. Your insurance claim attorney can help you identify and collect proof of the extent of your losses and the compensation you need to rebuild.

Negotiating With the Insurance Company on Your Behalf

It is often possible to get the insurance company to reconsider their denial. This is especially common when the claim was rejected due to a lack of cooperation or supporting documents. Even when the carrier acts in bad faith, a hurricane damage lawyer may be able to push them to cover what is owed due to fear of litigation. 

Filing a Lawsuit Against the Insurance Company

There are times when the carrier will simply refuse to treat you fairly. This is known as acting in bad faith, and you have a remedy through the court system when this happens to you. These lawsuits can be complex, but the right insurance claim attorney can manage your case from start to finish. 

Why Was My Claim Denied for Hurricane Damage?

Whether you are filing your hurricane property damage claim for the first time or responding to a denial, understanding the reason provided by the insurance company is important. The reason given by the company can guide you on how to reverse the decision. 

One common excuse given is a lack of coverage. Even if you have a standard homeowners insurance policy, there are certain types of losses—like flood damage—that are generally not covered by a basic policy. To get this coverage, you will need flood insurance coverage that requires a higher premium. If you did not voluntarily purchase this type of expanded coverage, your claim might be denied. 

Insurance companies also have the ability to deny a claim if the property owner did not cooperate with their investigation. This involves allowing the company’s insurance adjuster to inspect your property and request documentation related to your financial losses. The insurer is able to deny a claim if these requests are not complied with. 

There may also be formal deadlines to file your hurricane insurance claim. These time limits vary depending on the language of your policy, but failing to meet these requirements could provide the insurer with grounds to deny your claim. 

Unfortunately, insurance companies do not always provide a reason for their rejection. This can be an example of bad faith, especially when it is coupled with a refusal to communicate during the claims process.

What If the Insurance Company is Acting in Bad Faith?

Insurance companies are for-profit businesses. Paying out large settlements following catastrophic hurricane losses can hurt their bottom line, leading some companies to respond to valid claims in bad faith. Their goal is to avoid paying out the full value of these claims, even when they are obligated to do so under the terms of the policy. 

It is crucial to keep an eye out for signs of bad faith. When insurance companies use underhanded tactics to keep you from securing the fair settlement you deserve, your lawyer could pursue legal action against them. Some common examples of bad faith according to Texas Insurance Code § 541.060 include the following:

• Refusal to acknowledge your claim
• Unreasonable delays
• Denying a claim without explanation
• Misleading you about the terms of your policy
• Failing to pay out compensation after the claim is approved
• Unreasonable settlement offers

These are only a few of the ways the insurance company could use bullying tactics against you. The right attorney could help you deal with these tactics and get the outcome you deserve. Whether or not the insurer acted in good faith is a question for the jury if the case ultimately goes to trial. 

Our Hurricane Damage Claims Attorneys Can Help with Your Insurance Denial

Receiving a denial letter can feel like a worst-case scenario in the aftermath of a hurricane. The good news is that a denial does not mean your chances of a successful claim are gone forever. The right approach could result in the company reversing their decision or even being on the hook for damages due to their bad faith. 

The attorneys of Carrigan & Anderson, PLLC are here to help you get the outcome you deserve. With over 40 years of experience taking on insurance companies, our firm can assist you with your hurricane damage claim. Contact us as soon as possible for a free consultation.