The insurance companies that homeowners trust to protect their homes do so because they are invested in the protection of their families. Insurance companies need to be there for homeowners when disaster strikes so they can recover from a loss. Disasters could be from hurricanes where damage like roof leaks, flooding, and other types of water damage.
In Orlando, Florida, where home insurance premiums are some of the highest in the country, this expectation seems very reasonable after paying premiums for years.
Do you know what to do if your insurance company refuses to pay your residential insurance claim? Are there any ways to fight back when your insurance company denies coverage? In order to get your claim moving again, you may need to hire an experienced lawyer who handles insurance claims.
Generally, homeowners insurance covers both your house and any other structures you have on your property, such as garages, sheds, and other outbuildings including roofing damage. Your policy will usually address the liability for injuries and damage you cause to another person's property. Your personal property inside the house may also be covered by some policies.
You will receive varying coverage for your homeowner's policy depending on the specific language in it. The details of your coverage can be found in your policy, so you should take the time to read it carefully.
The complex language that insurance companies use to describe coverage can make reading a policy extremely confusing. Feel free to contact our firm if you have questions about your specific coverage. We can review your homeowner's insurance policy with you to determine whether it covers your situation.
A dwelling policy is a policy that covers your home. For instance, it may contain things like roof and siding repairs after severe winds. There are several types of damage that are commonly covered, including:
Your dwelling will also be protected from floods and hurricanes if you purchase additional coverage. There may be a separate cost for these types of coverage, however, as they are more specialized. If hurricanes cause roofing damage or other water damage, you may be covered, but typically if your home floods due to a hurricane that will require additional flood insurance.
If you have additional structures on your property, then your homeowner's insurance will likely cover these buildings, too. Some of the most common examples include:
This coverage will often help you repair or replace these items in the event of weather damage or vandalism.
Your home is likely where you keep some of your most valuable possessions. As a result, most homeowners insurance coverage will also apply to personal property, as well. If your personal property was damaged because of certain natural disasters or theft, you might be able to get the replacement cost of these items from your insurance company.
When someone else claims that your property harmed them, they might sue you to get damages for their medical bills, lost wages, and other related costs. Liability coverage under a homeowners policy will usually pay for your legal defense in these types of claims.
Some of the most common situations where homeowners insurance might be used include:
You may be surprised that just how broad your liability coverage may be. As a result, if anyone sues you because they claim that your property damaged them, you should check your homeowners policy to see if you have coverage.
Although you may think you have coverage, an insurance company might decline to pay the claim for many reasons. If you think the insurance company is refusing to pay a legitimate claim, then you may have a bad faith insurance dispute on your hands.
At VG Law Group, LLC, we have experience dealing with denied insurance claims, and we can help you determine whether you should have coverage. If you do, we can work through what your next steps should be—including suing your insurance company if necessary. Find out more about how our team can help by calling 833-855-4365 or contacting us online.