What To Do If Homeowners Insurance Company Is Stalling admin, January 24, 2024 Having homeowners insurance is a necessary component of owning a home, providing a valuable safety net in the event of damage, theft, or other unforeseen incidents. However, dealing with an insurance company that repeatedly stalls when it comes to processing claims can be incredibly frustrating. If you find yourself in this predicament, don’t despair. Here’s how you can handle such a situation effectively. ContentsUnderstand your policyDocument every interactionCommunicate in writingInvolve a third-partyContact your state’s Department of InsuranceConsider legal actionUnderstand Your Homeowner’s RightsKeep Calm and Stay PersistentMaintain Detailed RecordsVerify Credentials of Insurance ProfessionalsExplore Alternative Dispute Resolution MethodsStay Informed About Changes in Insurance LawsFrequently Asked Questions1. What is a homeowners insurance policy?2. What should I do if my insurance claim is denied?3. How long does an insurer have to respond to a claim?4. What is covered under a standard homeowners insurance policy?5. What’s not covered by homeowners insurance?6. How can I expedite my claim process?7. What is a public adjuster?8. How does a public adjuster get paid?9. What should I do if I suspect my insurer is acting in bad faith?10. What documents should I keep for my claims?11. How can mediation or arbitration help resolve disputes with my insurer?12. Can I switch my home insurance company if I am unhappy with them?13. Why is it important to document every interaction with my insurer?14. Do I need an attorney to handle disputes with my insurer?15. How can I find out about changes in insurance laws in my state?A Final Note Understand your policy The first step towards dealing with any issues related to your homeowners insurance is to understand your policy thoroughly. This includes understanding what is covered under the policy, the terms and conditions, exclusions, and your responsibilities as the policyholder. The more familiar you are with the terms of your policy, the better equipped you’ll be to challenge any unwarranted delays in processing your claim. Take the time to read through every clause in the contract and if there’s anything you don’t understand, seek clarification from the insurer or consult with an insurance attorney. Make sure that every interaction with your insurer is documented in writing to avoid any misunderstanding or loss of information. Being armed with knowledge about your policy will put you in a stronger position when dealing with your insurer. Document every interaction If your homeowner’s insurance company is stalling, it’s critical that you document every interaction with them. This includes phone calls, emails, letters, and any personal meetings. Keep a record of who you spoke to, what was discussed, and any promises or assurances made by the insurance representative. Documentation not only serves as evidence in case of disputes but can also help you keep track of the progress (or lack thereof) in resolving your claim. Always request written confirmation of any verbal agreements or promises made by the insurer. Taking these precautionary steps can safeguard you from further complications and provide you with a solid foundation if you need to escalate the matter. Communicate in writing While phone calls may be a quick way to get answers, written communication provides a tangible record of your conversations and attempts to resolve the issue. Whenever possible, communicate with your insurer through email or formal letters. This way, if the company continues to stall, you have written proof of all the actions you’ve taken to try and resolve the issue. Ensure your written communications are clear, concise, and detailed. Include all relevant facts about your claim, your policy number, and any steps you’ve already taken. Be sure to keep copies of all correspondence – they might come in handy if legal action becomes necessary. Involve a third-party If your attempts to resolve the issue directly with the insurance company have not yielded results, it might be time to involve a third party. This could be an attorney specializing in insurance disputes or a public adjuster who can negotiate on your behalf. An attorney can help you understand your rights and potential courses of action, while a public adjuster can provide an independent evaluation of your claim. While there may be fees associated with employing these professionals, their expertise could potentially result in a more favorable outcome for you. Contact your state’s Department of Insurance Much like involving a third-party, contacting your state’s Department of Insurance should only be done when all else fails. Every state has a Department of Insurance that oversees insurance companies and ensures they are operating within the law. If your company is stalling without justifiable reason, it may be considered a violation of good faith and fair dealing – something most insurance policies implicitly promise. See also How Long Does It Take To Get A Bridge LoanFile a complaint detailing your experience with the insurance company, providing all relevant documentation as evidence. The department can then investigate your complaint and possibly mediate a resolution with the insurer. Consider legal action If all else fails, you may have to consider taking legal action against your homeowners insurance company. This can be a daunting prospect, but in some cases, it may be the only way to ensure that your rights are protected and that your insurer fulfills its obligations. Before taking this step, consult with an attorney who specializes in insurance disputes to understand the possible legal avenues available to you. Remember, initiating legal proceedings should be a last resort and should only be considered after exhausting all other options. The process can be lengthy and costly, so it’s crucial to weigh the potential benefits against the costs involved. Understand Your Homeowner’s Rights As a policyholder, you have certain rights that your insurance company must respect. These rights include the timely processing of your claims and the provision of clear and accurate information about your policy and any changes to it. If you feel that these rights are being violated, it’s important to voice your concerns. Remember, you have the right to fair treatment and timely communication from your insurer. Furthermore, your insurer is obligated to act in good faith. This means they cannot deliberately delay, deny, or underpay valid claims without a reasonable explanation. If you believe your insurer is acting in bad faith, consult with an attorney to explore your legal options. Keep Calm and Stay Persistent Dealing with an unresponsive insurance company can be stressful, but it’s important to stay calm and collected throughout the process. Losing your temper or acting irrationally won’t help the situation and could potentially make things worse. Persistence is key when dealing with stalling tactics. Continue following up on your claim status regularly and don’t let the insurance company’s delaying strategies deter you. Your persistence may eventually pay off and hasten the resolution of your claim. Maintain Detailed Records Aside from documenting each interaction with the insurance company, also keep a record of all related expenses, receipts, estimates, and invoices relevant to your claim. This documentation can serve as strong evidence supporting the validity of your claim and can be extremely useful when negotiating a settlement or taking legal action. In case of property damage, take photographs or videos of the damaged areas before any repairs are made. This visual evidence can further substantify your claim. Verify Credentials of Insurance Professionals If you decide to enlist the help of an attorney or a public adjuster, be sure to verify their credentials before hiring them. They should be licensed to practice within your state and have experience in dealing with insurance claims similar to yours. Check their reputation and track record through online reviews or by contacting your local bar association or insurance regulatory agency. Remember, while professional assistance can be helpful, it’s essential to choose knowledgeable and trustworthy professionals to advocate for you. Explore Alternative Dispute Resolution Methods If the dispute with the insurance company remains unresolved, consider alternative dispute resolution methods before resorting to litigation. Mediation or arbitration can be less costly and time-consuming than court proceedings and can often lead to a satisfactory resolution. In mediation, a neutral third party facilitates discussions between you and the insurer to help reach an agreement. In arbitration, the arbitrator makes a binding decision after hearing arguments from both sides. Discuss these options with your attorney or public adjuster to decide which method would be most suitable for your situation. Stay Informed About Changes in Insurance Laws Insurance regulations vary by state and are subject to change. Staying informed about changes in insurance laws in your state can help you understand your rights and obligations as a policyholder. Subscribe to newsletters from your state’s Department of Insurance or follow them on social media to stay updated. In conclusion, while dealing with an unresponsive insurance company can be daunting, understanding your policy, documenting interactions, involving professionals when necessary, knowing your rights, and exploring all resolution options can help you handle the situation effectively. Don’t hesitate to take appropriate action if you believe your insurer is not treating you fairly. Frequently Asked Questions 1. What is a homeowners insurance policy? A homeowners insurance policy is a contract between a homeowner and an insurance company. It provides financial protection against damages to the home, its contents, and other assets in the home. It also provides liability coverage against accidents in the home or on the property. See also Can You Use Rental Income To Qualify For A Mortgage2. What should I do if my insurance claim is denied? If your claim is denied, first understand why it was rejected by reviewing the insurer’s explanation. Depending on the reason, you can correct any errors and resubmit the claim, appeal the decision with your insurer, or seek help from a lawyer or public adjuster. 3. How long does an insurer have to respond to a claim? The response time varies by state law and individual insurance policies. However, most insurers must acknowledge your claim within a reasonable time, typically within 14 days of receiving it. 4. What is covered under a standard homeowners insurance policy? A standard homeowners insurance policy generally covers damage to your property and personal belongings due to events like fire, theft, vandalism, and certain natural disasters. It also typically includes liability coverage for injuries or property damage caused to others on your property. 5. What’s not covered by homeowners insurance? Typically, flood damage, earthquakes, normal wear and tear, and intentional damage are not covered under standard homeowner’s insurance policies. You may require additional separate policies for these risks. 6. How can I expedite my claim process? You can expedite your claim process by promptly reporting the damage or loss to your insurer, providing all requested information accurately and quickly, cooperating fully with the insurer, and following up regularly on your claim status. 7. What is a public adjuster? A public adjuster is a professional who represents policyholders in negotiating and settling insurance claims. They work for you, not the insurance company, to ensure you get the maximum payout that you are entitled to under your policy. 8. How does a public adjuster get paid? Public adjusters typically charge a percentage of the claim payout. The percentage varies depending on the complexity of the claim and state regulations. 9. What should I do if I suspect my insurer is acting in bad faith? If you suspect your insurance company is acting in bad faith by delaying, underpaying, or denying a valid claim without a reasonable explanation, consult with an attorney to explore your legal options. 10. What documents should I keep for my claims? Keep all documents related to the claim including your policy document, correspondence with the insurer, receipts of expenses incurred due to the damage or loss, estimates for repairs, and any reports like police reports or inventory lists of damaged items. 11. How can mediation or arbitration help resolve disputes with my insurer? In mediation or arbitration, a neutral third party helps facilitate discussions between you and your insurer or makes a binding decision after hearing both sides. This can be less costly and time-consuming than court proceedings. 12. Can I switch my home insurance company if I am unhappy with them? Yes, you can switch your homeowner’s insurance company at any time. However, it’s critical to ensure you have continuous coverage, so don’t cancel your current policy until the new one is in effect. 13. Why is it important to document every interaction with my insurer? Documenting every interaction provides a record of your attempts to resolve the dispute and can serve as evidence if you need to take legal action. It also helps you keep track of the progress in resolving your claim. 14. Do I need an attorney to handle disputes with my insurer? While not always necessary, an attorney can provide valuable legal advice and guidance, especially if you decide to take legal action against your insurer or if you believe the company is acting in bad faith. 15. How can I find out about changes in insurance laws in my state? You can stay informed about changes in insurance laws by subscribing to newsletters from your state’s Department of Insurance or following them on social media. A Final Note Navigating through insurance claims can be challenging, but knowledge is power. When equipped with a clear understanding of your policy, vigilant documentation, and the right professionals by your side, you can confidently face these challenges. Ultimately, remember that you are not alone in this journey – there are resources and individuals ready and willing to assist. Refuse to be intimidated by the process and persistently advocate for what is rightfully yours. Related posts: Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Garage Doors Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Rotting Wood How To Get Homeowners Insurance To Pay For New Windows Do I Need Title Insurance If I Pay Cash Financing and mortgages