How to Handle Home Insurance Disputes?

After natural disasters or other incidents that causes damage to a home's structure or contents, most people find themselves in the midst of a home insurance claim. Such insurance is meant to provide protection during a stressful time. Yet, making a claim is not always easy. In fact, the claims process is one that frequently involves disputes between the insurance company and the customer.

Before an Incident

Homeowners can protect themselves before a claim by understanding their coverage and making adjustments to it before a problem arises. Moreover, homeowners can document their home and its contents on video or in photographs that can be stored digitally somewhere off the property so that they survive any incidents in the home. In the event that a claim needs to be made, this photographic evidence can help ensure that the homeowner is able to recoup their losses.

Document Damage

When damage occurs to the home or its contents, it's important for policy holders to document that damage immediately. Don't get rid of any damaged items until the insurance adjuster has had an opportunity to view them, and document damage before making even a temporary repair.

Get It In Writing

The insurer should be contacted as soon as possible after the damage occurs. From the first phone call or email sent to the insurance company, it's important for the homeowner to keep documentation. Note the date and time of each phone call, including the name and direct number of the representative on the other end of the line. Whenever possible, ask the representative to mail or electronically send any offers made, and contact them via written communication whenever it is feasible. The adjuster who reviews the damage should also provide documentation of their findings.

When a Dispute Arises

Occasionally, the insurance company will make a settlement offer that appears ludicrously low. However, the homeowner is not obligated to accept the offer. They can negotiate with their insurer, and also ask the representative to justify their offer using the terms of their policy.

Should this fail to give satisfaction, the homeowner can contact several independent contractors to gather estimates for repair. Get the estimates in writing and be prepared to show them to the adjuster as evidence that their settlement offer was unfairly low.

If the adjuster remains obstinate, the homeowner may contact the insurance company's regional or national office. It may also make sense to contact the state's insurance board if the homeowner feels that the insurer is acting in bad faith. This is also the time to contact an attorney who can determine whether or not litigation may provide a reasonable solution.

Seeking Legal Counsel

Hiring an attorney is often an excellent method of obtaining a satisfactory settlement. The attorney can advise the homeowner of their rights as well as making the obligations of the insurance company clearer. Often, this is the best way to resolve an acrimonious situation.

Suffering the loss of a home or its contents is an emotionally difficult event, and sometimes insurance companies exacerbate the situation with their seeming unwillingness to live up to their policies. By documenting possessions, keeping evidence of all communication and hiring an attorney, most homeowners are at last able to obtain the settlement to which they are entitled.

Peter is a writer that focuses on researching insurance topics and companies. He has encountered many faulty claims in this department, and recommends these personal injury attorneys in Wheaton if you live in the area and need an expert to consult.