Work with reputable contractors or other experts to provide you independent evaluations of your damages and the costs associated with repairing those damages. Having more than one estimate or opinion to compare will help you better determine if your insurance company adjusted the claim fairly.  Review all letters received from your insurance company to ensure they provided you with a valid explanation for their determination of coverage (whether the claim was approved or denied). For peace of mind, ask an attorney with experience in handling insurance claims. 

Policies will vary, so even though homeowners and commercial owners’ policies cover many different types of losses, you’ll want to review your policy thoroughly to see what your coverages show. Here are some things to be aware of: 

• Endorsements: Your policy may have specific endorsements that either limit or even exclude certain coverages altogether.  
•  It is also important to know if you have a RCV (Replacement Cost Value) or ACV (Actual Cash Value): The difference between these 2 policies could greatly impact what is owed to you before and after repairs are completed. Some RCV policies require you to repair the damages within a certain period of time in order to get full policy benefits.  
• Your insurance policy is a contract and each policy renewal is a new contract, with new policy limits, and new or varying coverages.  Therefore, it is important to request a full copy of your policy, including the declarations pages, and endorsements in effect on the date of the loss. 

We understand reading through insurance policies can be complicated and our extensive experience in interpreting insurance policies can help you determine if you have coverage for the loss you have experienced. CONTACT US if you need additional guidance regarding your policy or insurance claim.

Additional Resources:

Texas Department of Insurance - Homeowners Insurance Guide

Mississippi Insurance Department - Homeowners Insurance

Kansas Insurance Department - Homeowners Insurance Guide

Colorado Division of Insurance - Homeowners / Renters Insurance | DORA Division of Insurance

 In most cases, you should allow the insurance company the opportunity to fulfill their obligations under the policy through the claims process.  When the insurance company fairly and promptly compensates you for a loss, there is no need to hire an attorney. However, once the insurance company has made its decision and you feel they have wrongfully denied, underpaid, or delayed your claim, then it is time to consult a reputable insurance attorney. CONTACT US today for a free consultation. 

Additional Resources: 

Typical Claims Process

When Should I Seek Legal Advice 

In most cases, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we get you a recovery. In many states, you can recover your reasonable and necessary attorney’s fees from the insurance company if you prove your case. In addition, our law firm will hire industry experts to help maximize your recovery, and will advance most costs prior to settlement of your claim. For more information specific to your case, please CONTACT US for a free consultation.

To better assist you with evaluating your legal options, please provide the following for any Residential or Commercial Property Claim:

• Copy of your full insurance policy (including endorsements), and declarations pages in effect at the time of your date of loss. If you do not have a copy of your policy, you should request it from your adjuster or agent.
• Any and all correspondence with your insurance company (i.e. notice of loss to carrier, acknowledgment of loss letters, insurance company’s acceptance/denial letter, emails, etc.).
• Any insurance adjuster estimates and reports discussing the damages (e.g. engineering reports). 
• Any independent damage expert estimates or reports (Contractors, Public Adjusters, etc.).
• Any photographs/videos of the damages.
• Any invoices or receipts for temporary or permanent repairs.