When you pay for homeowners insurance, it is natural to believe that you will be financially protected in the event that your home is completely destroyed and needs to be rebuilt, or if you are robbed of your valuable possessions. In most cases, filing a claim through your homeowners insurance should not be overly difficult and you will receive a check for the appropriate amount. Unfortunately, there can be instances where insurance companies do not cooperate with their customers, and you may find that having your claim taken care of has become a nightmare. If you have filed a claim with your homeowners insurance and they are giving you a difficult time, use the following tips:
Know Your Rights as a Customer
In the U.S. the insurance industry is highly regulated, and insurance companies must abide by state laws. When you're having a dispute with your homeowners insurance company, it is in your best interest to educate yourself on the insurance laws of your state so you can know what your rights are. These laws can typically be found on a state's official website, or you can call your state's department of insurance to learn more information.
Contact your Insurance Agent
If you purchased your homeowners insurance through an agent, he or she can be a valuable resource when you have a dispute with the insurance company. Insurance agents typically understand how the insurance company handles claims, and they can work on your behalf to help you get the dispute settled. When you contact your insurance agent, make sure you have your policy number available, and be prepared to submit any documentation related to the disputed claim and any notes from phone conversations you have had directly with the insurance company.
Consult an Attorney
If you have spent hours on the phone trying to settle the disputed claim with your homeowners insurance company to no avail, and if your insurance agent has not been able to help, it may be in your best interest to consult a lawyer who specializes in insurance disputes, like those at Bidegaray Law Firm LLP. When you have an attorney representing you, there is a good chance that your insurance company will pay more attention to the dispute and try to get it settled in order to avoid costly litigation. In many cases, your lawyer will be able to get your dispute resolved, and everything will be settled out of court in a timely manner.
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