Hurricane Insurance Claims Lawyers in Asheville, NC

Claims can be denied for several reasons, even during a hurricane like Hurricane Helene. Some common reasons for denial include:

1. Lack of Hurricane or Windstorm Coverage

• Some standard homeowner insurance policies don’t cover hurricane damage. Homeowners might need separate policies or riders for windstorm or hurricane coverage. If this specific coverage isn’t included, the claim can be denied.

2. Flood Damage Exclusion

• Homeowners’ insurance typically excludes flood damage caused by storm surges or rising waters, which is common during hurricanes. A separate flood insurance policy is needed for flood-related claims, and without this, flood-related claims will be denied.

3. Pre-existing Damage

• Insurance companies might deny claims if they determine that the damage existed prior to the hurricane. Any wear and tear, structural issues, or lack of maintenance that contributed to the damage could result in a denial.

4. Failure to Maintain Property

• If the insurance company finds that the homeowner failed to properly maintain the property (e.g., poor roofing, inadequate windows), they may argue that the damage was due to negligence, not the hurricane, and deny the claim.

5. Claim Filed Too Late

• After a disaster like a hurricane, insurance companies typically require that claims be filed within a certain timeframe. Delayed filings may result in a denial.

6. Policy Limits Exceeded

• If the cost of damage exceeds the coverage limits on the policy, the insurer will only pay up to the policy limit. In this case, the full amount might not be covered, and any claim beyond those limits can be denied.

7. Missing Documentation

• If the claim lacks the necessary documentation—such as photos of the damage, repair estimates, or proof of ownership of damaged items—the insurance company could deny the claim due to insufficient proof.

8. Violation of Policy Terms

• If a homeowner fails to follow specific policy terms, such as taking reasonable steps to prevent further damage after the hurricane (like covering broken windows), the claim might be denied.

9. Unpaid Premiums

• If the homeowner is behind on their insurance payments, the policy may be considered lapsed or inactive, which could lead to claim denial.

10. Exclusions for “Acts of God”

• While most policies cover natural disasters like hurricanes, certain damage types or areas (e.g., specific high-risk zones) might be excluded under “Acts of God” clauses, leading to claim denial depending on the policy language.