Home insurance claims can be a complex and stressful process, especially if your claim is denied or delayed. There are several reasons why this might happen, and it’s important to understand why so you can take the appropriate steps to resolve the issue.
In this blog, we’ll explore some of the reasons why your home insurance claim is denied, and provide you with tips on what to do if you find yourself in that situation.
Why Your Home Insurance Claim Is Denied Or Delayed?
There are several reasons why your home insurance claim may have been denied or delayed. Here are a few common ones:
Your Insurance Made a Mistake
Sometimes, insurance companies make mistakes. It’s important to carefully review your policy’s terms to ensure that you’re covered for the damages you’re claiming. If you believe your insurance company made a mistake in denying or delaying your claim, it’s important to contact them and ask for a review. Be sure to provide any documentation or evidence that supports your claim.
You Missed Your Chance to File
Most home insurance policies have strict deadlines for filing a claim. If you miss this deadline, your claim may be denied. Be sure to review the terms of your policy to determine the deadline for filing a claim and make sure you file within that timeframe.
In Florida, insurance companies have 90 days to notify you whether they have accepted or denied your claim. If your insurance provider approves your claim, the Florida Statutes state that they must pay you within 20 days of their decision.
To learn more about how long a home insurance claim takes in Florida, read our blog here.
You Need to Provide More Information
Sometimes, insurance companies may ask for additional information or documentation before processing a home insurance claim. This might include photos of the damages, receipts, or estimates for repairs. There are a few reasons why this might happen:
- To verify the extent of the damages: Insurance companies may request additional information to confirm the extent of the damages and determine the cost of repairs. This might include photos of the damages and estimates from contractors or repair professionals.
- To determine if the damages are covered: Insurance policies typically have exclusions for certain types of damages. For example, a policy may not cover damages caused by floods or earthquakes. If the insurance company believes the damages may not be covered under the policy, they may request additional information to determine if the claim is eligible.
- To prevent fraud: Insurance fraud is a serious issue, and insurance companies may request additional information to verify that a claim is legitimate. For example, they may ask for photos of the damages to ensure that they are not pre-existing or staged.
Bad Faith Insurance Practices
Bad faith insurance practices refer to situations in which an insurance company acts in a way that is not in the best interests of its policyholder. This can take many forms, including denying or delaying claims without a valid reason, failing to investigate claims properly, or offering inadequate settlements.
There are a few common signs that an insurance company may be acting in bad faith. For example, they may:
- Refuse to pay a claim without a valid reason
- Require excessive documentation or information before processing a claim
- Make low settlement offers without proper justification
- Delay processing claims or making payments
- Misrepresent the terms of a policy
What to Do When Your Home Insurance Claim Is Denied?
If your home insurance claim has been denied or delayed, and you don’t know why, it’s important to take action. The first step is to review your policy’s terms and ensure you understand why your claim was denied or delayed. Then, if you believe that your insurance company made a mistake or is acting in bad faith, it’s important to seek legal advice.
At RRBH Law, we have a team of experienced attorneys who can help you navigate the complex world of home insurance claims. We can review your policy, gather and present evidence to support your claim, and negotiate with your insurance company to get you the coverage you deserve. Contact us today at (305) 800-4663 to schedule your consultation and get the help you need.