It’s easy to forget insurance companies are in the business of making money. Miami homeowners pay their insurance companies premiums for their policy and in return they expect their claims to be easily paid-in-full. However, insurance providers often put the needs of the company above their policyholders and will attempt to spend as little as possible for claims. This doesn’t mean all claim will be treated and paid out unfairly, but if you feel like you’re being lowballed for your claim, you do have the option to dispute. It is not uncommon for policyholders to disagree with the outcome of their claim. In these situations, it’s helpful to have an insurance defense attorney from Your Insurance Attorney to guide you through the process of disputing a claim offer or claim denial and help you reach a fair settlement with your insurance provider.
Dispute the Claim with your Insurance Company
The first step when you decide you want to dispute your claim offer or claim denial is to review your initial claim. Find out where you can improve it. Organize any photos, videos, repair estimates, and receipts. What can you add to bolster your claim? Did your original request provide enough quality evidence of the damage or loss you experienced?
Once you have selected new evidence to better your claim, it is time to contact your insurance company and speak with your agent. Be respectful to your agent, as they are not the ones who calculated your claim estimate – a company adjuster did. It is possible the adjuster assign to your case miscalculated the estimate. Ask your agent if your case can be reviewed based on any new evidence you have acquired or if it’s possible to have the adjuster reevaluate the claim. Your agent will be able to give you instructions and directions in disputing your claim. They are not required to do either, and it is possible they will refuse to have an adjuster reassess the damages. You should start looking online for an insurance lawyer near me at this step.
You may need to hire an independent appraiser or home insurance adjuster to get an independent estimate. There is a cost associated with getting a second opinion It could range anywhere from $200 to $500, depending on how far the adjuster has to travel to reach your home. In some instances, it may not be worth the money. If the discrepancy in the claim is similar to the cost of the independent appraisal, you may want to save your money and time.
The benefit of hiring an outside appraiser is that you will hopefully be able to use the independent estimate to support your opinion the insurance company is not fairly paying you for your claim. On the other hand, the estimate may be in alignment with the insurance company, and you will not be able to use it as leverage. Find an insurance lawyer near me for the best advice on whether hiring an independent appraiser would be in your best interest.
File a Complaint and Hire an Insurance Defense Attorney
If you are unable to reach an agreement with your homeowner’s insurance company you can file a report with your state insurance department. They will investigate your case against your insurance provider. Often they will suggest finding and insurance lawyer near me and you in Miami to escalate your dispute. An experienced attorney will be able to help you fight your insurance company to get the claim settlement you deserve.
Contact Us
At Your Insurance Attorney, you can find a qualified insurance defense attorney in Miami to help you with your insurance claim dispute or claim denial every step of the way. Call us now.
