There are many reasons insurance companies may deny a claim or fail to cover all losses or expenses. When insurance companies don’t come through, it can leave property owners and businesses in a precarious position. Fortunately, policyholders dealing with an insurance coverage dispute have options to fight back. A skilled insurance coverage attorney can help you handle property claim disputes and fight for the coverage you are entitled to under your insurance policy.
An Attorney Can Help You with the Insurance Coverage Dispute Process
Taking on an insurance coverage dispute of any size can seem intimidating, but having an attorney by your side can make all the difference. A skilled attorney can help walk you through every step in the process. Legal representation gives you the best chance possible of walking away with a favorable outcome.
Steps in Insurance Coverage Litigation
There are many steps in resolving an insurance dispute, which is why it is not recommended that policyholders attempt to take on a case themselves or with an inexperienced attorney. The first step in insurance coverage litigation is carefully reviewing the insurance policy. As a policyholder, you have certain rights under the policy in place, and your insurance company has a legal obligation to honor these rights. If your insurance company is misrepresenting or misinterpreting your policy, an attorney can help uncover what you are entitled to and seek legal action to force compliance.
In most insurance dispute cases, an investigation will be needed to determine the true causes of the damage in your claim. Insurance companies sometimes do a very brief investigation that may miss important details that can be significant in your case.
To handle property claim disputes, experienced insurance dispute lawyers partner with skilled property damage experts who can gather evidence supporting your case. Once an investigation is completed, your attorney will attempt to negotiate with your insurance company so that no one has to go to court. The vast majority of insurance dispute cases are resolved at this stage. If discussions come to a standstill, you may need to go to court and argue your case in front of a judge. Your attorney will help you through every step of the way and ensure that your interests are represented.
What You Can Expect during Your Insurance Coverage Dispute Case
An insurance coverage dispute can become complicated very quickly. Investigating and proving the true cause of damage may involve multiple experts and third parties. While insurance disputes occasionally come to a quick resolution, more often than not, these matters drag on for months.
An investigation may involve looking into your finances, previous claims, and more. You and your family may have to be interviewed, and an investigator may even contact your neighbors.
One of the most important things you can do before and during an insurance claim or dispute is to keep good records. Any records of communications between you and your insurance company should be preserved. These records can be especially crucial in the case of first-party bad faith claims. It is also important to let third parties do what they need to complete their investigation and promptly respond to any requests from your attorney or insurance company.
Insurance companies, especially large ones, have teams of professionals dedicated to fighting coverage dispute claims. However, never let your insurance company intimidate you into taking a low settlement or dropping a valid claim. If you are entitled to compensation under your insurance policy, an attorney can help you get it.
An Insurance Coverage Dispute Attorney Can Help You Fight Your Case
When your insurance claim is denied or underpaid, it can be disheartening and frustrating, but it does not have to be the end of the road. Insurance companies can always reverse a decision and approve a claim or revisit the amount of a claim.
However, attempting to negotiate with your insurance company on a denied or underpaid claim can be a futile effort. Having an attorney in your corner can help level the playing field and ensure that your voice is heard.
An experienced insurance coverage attorney knows effective strategies for dealing with insurance companies that are attempting to minimize their responsibilities. Attorneys know which strategies work and can give you the best possible chance at a successful outcome in insurance coverage disputes in Indiana, Illinois, Florida, and elsewhere. They can also help you file a complaint with the Indiana Department of Insurance, the Illinois Department of Insurance, the Florida Division of Consumer Services, or the appropriate agency in another state so that your insurance company is properly held accountable.
At Ashford DiMartino, we stand ready to help you dispute improper insurance coverage decisions if your claim is denied or underpaid. We have years of experience dealing with insurance companies, and we know which strategies work and which ones don’t. We handle property claim disputes involving fire, water, and bad faith first-party claims as well as other types of insurance disputes. For a consultation regarding your insurance coverage dispute in Indiana, Illinois, Florida, or elsewhere, get in touch with Ashford Dimartino today by calling (219) 728-5210 or completing our online contact form.