It might be devastating to find out that your insurance claim for hurricane damage has been denied. When you need help the most, you may feel as though the law is against you. Don’t give up, though; there are steps you may take to fight the refusal and increase your chances of receiving the compensation you are entitled to.
1. Know Why Your Claim Was Denied
Understand why your claim was declined. Insurance companies usually have a reason for rejecting their claims; it might be due to a lack of evidence, policy exclusions, or the deadline has yet to be missed. Knowing the exact reason will help you map out your next steps.
2. Review Your Insurance Policy Thoroughly
Sit down and review your insurance policy before doing anything. Scan it line by line in search of individual clauses on hurricane damage and what will be covered. That is where you get a proper view of whether the denial was rightful or if there is some legal ground to dispute the same.
3. Additional Evidence to Present Your Case End
Maybe the insurance company denied your claim just because there was not enough evidence. Photos, videos, repair estimates, and even witness statements can work for you in building up your claim. Make sure your evidence presents a clear point on how much damage you incurred and how it will benefit your case.
4. File a Claim Reconsideration
You can appeal to your insurance company if you feel your claim has been wrongly rejected or underpaid. Generally, it requires a closer look at your case, and you’ll need to present new evidence that you’ve collected.
5. Hire a Hurricane Insurance Attorney
Sometimes, it can be challenging to go it alone through an insurance claim especially when the policy wordings are complicated or when the insurer is fighting you. A hurricane insurance claims attorney makes all the difference. It would interpret your policy, advise on strategy, and speak up on your behalf.
And an experienced attorney will often be able to ascertain whether your insurance company acted in bad faith, opening up other channels of legal recourse to you.
6. Be Proactive and Tenacious
It’s not easy to have a denial overturned or get an underpaid claim corrected. You will need persistence in following up with your insurance company, maintaining thorough records of all communications, and even deciding to escalate issues when necessary. Persistence, coupled with the right evidence and legal support, is what will help you try to overturn a denial or correct an underpaid claim.
Conclusion
Dealing with the denial of a hurricane insurance claim in St. Petersburg is very difficult, but that is not the end of the road. To fight denial, analyze reasons for it, collect additional evidence, apply for review, and seek an expert. This would maximize your chances of getting the outcome you may need. Do not hesitate to call for help from professionals or organizations that can guide you through this struggle.
Consumer Help Group is here for you to provide resources and guidance along the way to recovery from a hurricane. And, of course, you’re not doing this alone.
