When a storm causes damage and resulting emotional and financial loss, insurance companies are expected to fulfill their promise and compensate their insureds for their losses in a timely manner. By undervaluing, underpaying and delaying claims, the emotional and financial loss can be multiplied.
Danahy & Murray can help you with the claim process, from claim preparation to documentation of events and damage, to the final settlement. We can help you review your policy to locate coverage, coordinate inspections by experts, and assist in the submission of the claim. If litigation is necessary and appropriate following the completion of the claim process, we can promptly initiate suit or appraisal in order to enforce your contract rights in the courts.
The following is conduct by an insurance company which justifies our involvement:
• Claim denials
• Claim delays
• False statements to the insured
• Withholding payments
• Low-ball offers, estimates and payments
• Persuasion against the hiring of third parties, such as public adjusters or attorneys
• Requests for a release as condition of the settlement of a claim
• Coding checks as "full" or "final" payment
If you believe that your insurance company is underpaying your claim or otherwise acting in an inappropriate manner, contact Danahy & Murray, so we cn discuss your legal rights.
What is the process when you have a loss?
First, get the insurance policy. If you do not have a copy, request one from your insurance agent, or at the very least, request the company name, phone number, and policy number.
Report the damage or loss to the responsible insurance companies as soon as possible. Tell the insurance company what happened and describe the damage. In the meantime, make sure that you take necessary precautions to prevent further damage.
"How to Properly Document Your Claim"
To properly prepare your insurance claim, review the following:
1. Photograph the damage.
2. Make temporariy repairs to prevent further damage.
3. Report the damages to your insurance agent/agency as soon as possible.
4. Save receipts that reflect any work that you’ve had done in an attempt to fix the problems.
5. Prepare for the insurance company’s adjuster’s visit and inspection of your property. Make sure that you have an extra copy of all documents involved in the claim, including receipts and photographs. Do not give the insurance company your original documents without keeping a copy.
6. Document your claim and keep notes whenever you speak to your insurance agency or insurance adjuster. Be sure to keep copies of all letters and documents from the insurance company.
7. Work with others, such as neighbors, who may have had the same problem and have reports or documentation of such problems. This can be used by your attorney to help win your case.
8. Find or request a copy of your insurance policy from your agent or your insurance company.
What is a Proof of Loss?
A Proof of Loss is the formal submission to the insurance company of the policy holder’s claimed amount, which validates the claim and must be submitted within 60 days of loss under most policies of insurance.
What is a Hurricane Deductible?
A hurricane deductible is allowed in a policy to reflect as either a percentage of the total loss or a percentage of the policy limits. This deductible comes into play when a named storm has caused damage.
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