CLOSE

Property insurance can be complicated, and many people don’t fully understand what their policies cover. That can leave you vulnerable in an insurance claims dispute, as you may not know whether your claim is valid or where to focus your efforts when disputing a claim. However, getting a fair property insurance settlement doesn’t have to be complicated.

At Brasher Law, our property insurance claim attorneys can help you decipher your policy and understand your grounds for fighting a denial.

What Does My Homeowners’ Insurance Cover?

A homeowner’s insurance policy is designed to help cover the cost of repairing or replacing parts of your home or personal belongings when they are damaged due to “covered perils.”

Homeowners’ insurance does not cover general aging and wear and tear or certain natural disasters, like floods. However, most policies do cover events such as:

  • Fires
  • Water damage
  • Wind, rain, and hail
  • Storms and hurricanes
  • Theft and vandalism

Your exact coverage depends on your insurance company and the policy types you choose. A standard homeowners’ insurance policy in Texas or Louisiana might include:

  • Dwelling: Covers damage to the structure of your home, including the foundation, roof, siding, walls, flooring, plumbing, and electrical systems.
  • Personal Property: Covers belongings inside your home, such as stolen clothes and jewelry or water-damaged electronics.
  • Additional Structures: Covers structures other than your main house, like a garage, shed, or fence.
  • Loss of Use: Covers living expenses if you can’t stay in your home while it’s being repaired, such as hotel stays, food, and pet boarding.
  • Liability: Covers expenses if someone who doesn’t live with you is injured on your property, such as tripping on a broken step.

What Are Examples of a Bad Faith Insurance Claim?

Insurance policies use industry jargon and complicated language that makes them hard to understand. Insurance companies know this—and unscrupulous ones will use it to their advantage. They can mislead you into believing your damages aren’t covered when, in reality, you may be able to pursue a settlement through an insurance claim dispute.

Our bad faith insurance attorneys often help clients dealing with the following tactics:

Unreasonable Delays

Some companies would prefer to keep you waiting indefinitely. In states like Texas, your insurance company must respond to your claim within 15 days or explain why they need a delay. Taking longer than allowed can be an early sign of bad faith.

Lowball Offers

If you can clearly show damages due to a covered peril, you deserve a fair settlement within your policy limits. However, your insurance company may claim that certain items aren’t covered or that aging and wear and tear played a role, leading to a lowball settlement offer.

Improper Investigation

A claims adjuster might ignore key documents or information you provide or make an improper judgment during an in-person inspection. However, their failure to investigate properly does not mean you should miss out on the compensation you deserve.

Instant Dismissals

You need clear details to understand why your insurance claim was denied. If your company dismisses your claim without explanation—or provides only a vague one—it may be trying to discourage further inquiry.

Coercive Tactics

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when it’s just you against a large company. If you don’t accept their first offer, the company might warn you about premium increases or even policy cancellation to pressure you into settling. However, you don’t need to feel intimidated when you understand your rights and are prepared to advocate for them.

Is It Possible to Dispute an Insurance Claim?

Yes. While your insurer might tell you otherwise, a denial does not have to be the end of the story.

It’s almost always possible to dispute an insurance claim. Most companies have an internal appeals process, which typically involves the following steps:

  • Review your policy: Review your policy on your own, or with the help of a legal advocate, to determine whether your coverage limits and exclusions align with your adjuster’s reasoning.
  • Request a written explanation: Ask for a detailed explanation of why your claim was denied, including references to specific policy language.
  • Submit new evidence: Collect additional photos, invoices, maintenance records, contractor statements, and other supporting documentation.
  • File an internal appeal: Escalate your claim to your insurance company’s internal appeals department with all supporting materials.

What Happens if My Insurance Claim Is Still Denied?

After submitting an internal appeal, the insurance company will review your new information. If your claim is still denied or undervalued, you still have options, such as requesting a case manager or escalating through the internal complaint process.

If you’re not making progress internally, you can also file a complaint with your state’s insurance board, such as the Texas Department of Insurance or the Louisiana Department of Insurance.

When to Involve a Property Insurance Attorney

While many insurance disputes can be handled on your own, complex or high-value claims—or situations where your insurer is not treating you fairly—may require legal assistance. In these cases, consulting a property insurance claim lawyer can help.

An attorney can handle appeals, advise you on the best course of action, negotiate for a fair settlement, or even file a lawsuit and represent you in court.

Work with a Texas Insurance Claim Dispute Lawyer

If you’re tired of fighting an insurance company alone, the property insurance claims attorneys at Brasher Law are here to defend you and your home.

We will work with you one-on-one to answer your questions, provide clarity, and advocate for your rights as a policyholder. You won’t pay attorney’s fees unless we recover a settlement for your claim.

Your case evaluation is always 100% free, so you have nothing to lose by contacting us today.

 

Brasher Law Firm is licensed in TX, LA, CO, UT, OK, and NV