As a property owner, an insurance policy is supposed to give you peace of mind, knowing that your finances will be secure in the event of a natural disaster. But insurance policies can be tricky, and companies will take any opportunity to deny your claim. Protesting a denial can be complicated, and usually requires help from a commercial real estate attorney Austin. Before you contact an attorney, however, here are the steps you should take to prepare for the fight ahead.
Get Started
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After the initial damage, start filing a claim right away. If there is anything that is still hazardous like a fire or serious injury, let emergency services know immediately. The next step is to call your insurance company and go through the claim process. Keep in mind of business losses that can occur during this time and use them in your claim.
Understand Your Policy
Insurance policies clearly state when the company will grant or deny coverage. Knowing the fine details of your policy will help you understand why your claim was denied. Look at what coverage you’ve purchased and what entitlements you have. You can also ask an adjuster to come and see the damage in person to reinforce your claim.
If rejected, the company will send you a formal letter explaining its reasoning for denying your claim. Making sure you understand both documents allows you to effectively dispute the company’s decision and helps you understand your rights according to the insurance contract. The more facts and leverage you have, the more likely your claim will be accepted.
Document the Damage
As with any form of insurance, property insurance companies require evidence before they will agree to cover any damages. Make sure you have detailed photographic evidence, as well as written documentation of the date, time and extent of your loss. Having hard proof that your property was damaged will make it more difficult for the company to dispute the loss.
Get a Second Opinion
Independent appraisals allow you to bring in an unbiased professional to assess damage to your property. This allows you to back up your claims and feel confident that your property was accurately assessed. It will also help you better understand what kind of coverage you are looking for.
Taking these steps before contacting an attorney helps you understand exactly why your claim was denied and what you can do about it. With a clear head and the help of a trusted lawyer, you’ll be better prepared to take on the insurance company and get what’s yours.
Raj Kumar is a qualified business/finance writer expert in investment, debt, credit cards, Passive income, financial updates. He advises in his blog finance clap.
