After suffering damage to your home, all you want is to get back to normal. Sadly, we still see great numbers of homeowners come to us with denied claims! From having the wrong policy to simply making mistakes in the filing process, your insurance company may deny your claim for a lot of different reasons.
If you’ve found yourself in the unfortunate circumstances of a denied home insurance claim, there are several things you can do to move forward if you work with a public adjuster like us at Liberty Adjusters. We will break down the steps you should take if your property insurance claim is denied and how we can help you get the compensation you deserve.
What Can I do After my Claim Gets Denied?
First, you should call a public loss adjuster. A public claims adjuster is an independent professional insurance claims adjuster that works for you, the policyholder—not the insurance company. We will review your claim, free of charge with no further obligations to you.
Although bringing a denied claim to a public adjuster may be able to change the outcome, the amount you will receive will not likely be as much as it could have been if the claim was brought to us before filing.
Learn More > Why You Should Call a Public Adjuster BEFORE Filing Your Claim
Next Steps After Your Claim Gets Denied
Once we understand why your claim was denied, we’ll file a formal appeal of the insurance company's decision, using your policy and our own industry expertise to make sure all the necessary documentation is in place to support your claim and increase the chances of a favorable outcome.
Then we will negotiate on your behalf with the goal of obtaining maximum compensation for your loss. Note: some policies require homeowners to pay out of pocket for this as external Appraisers or Umpires may be needed.
Have a denied homeowners insurance claim? Don't wait! Call Liberty Adjusters today at (813) 922-5129.
Why Do Claims Get Denied
We know how frustrating it can be to get a denied claim on your property. How could this have happened? And more importantly, how can this be prevented?
Many homeowners believe insurance is something you purchase and then forget about; unfortunately, that’s not the case. Insurance companies have very specific criteria for claims, and if you don’t meet their requirements, your claim may be denied.
Here are some of the most common reasons we see claims get denied:
Your Policy Doesn't Cover the Damage or the Cause of the Damage
Before you file a claim, review your policy to make sure the damage is covered. Some policies exclude certain types of damages or don’t cover certain repairs or replacements.
Especially in Florida, it's important to have the proper types of policies for hurricane, flood, and sinkhole damage as they are not always covered in a typical home insurance policy.
During Hurricane Ian, it's estimated that 1 in 3 people did not have flood insurance.
You should review your policy every year to make sure you’re up-to-date on what is and isn't covered.
Learn More > What!? My Insurance Doesn't Cover That?
You Submitted the Claim Incorrectly
Insurance companies have specific requirements for filing a claim. If you don’t follow their procedures, your claim can be denied. It just so happens that the insurance company makes this process much more confusing than it needs to be.
This is where Liberty Adjusters can help! We know the specific criteria and requirements insurance companies are looking for when it comes to filing a claim. We’ll review your policy, help you understand what is and isn't covered, manage the paperwork and communication with the insurance company, and even advocate on your behalf throughout the process. Give Liberty Insurance Adjusters a call today!
You Didn't Document the Damages Enough
Insurance companies require proof through photos and videos of the damage, as well as a detailed list of everything that was damaged or destroyed. If you don’t have enough documentation to prove your damages, your claim may be denied.
After any damage is sustained to your property, you should always take as many photos and videos as possible to capture the damage (and the cause of the damage, if possible).
The Insurer Believes the Damage Was Caused by Negligence on Your Part
Damage caused by negligence or lack of maintenance is not usually covered by your insurance. For instance, if you suffer water damage from a leaking pipe, but you knew about that leak and chose to ignore it, the claim would be denied.
This is what's called your "duty after loss"; your obligation to do everything in your power to mitigate further damage after the initial damage took place. Let's say your roof got damaged by a falling tree, and you decide not to tarp your roof. If the rain comes and causes water damage to your home, your water damage claim could be denied.
Always Call a Public Adjuster Before Filing Your Claim
It can be difficult to get a denied homeowners insurance claim overturned, but there is hope. If you believe your claim was wrongfully denied, don’t wait!
Our public claims adjusters have years of experience helping clients across Tampa, Fort Myers, Orlando, and their surrounding areas. Contact Liberty Adjusters today and let us help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Lean our loss adjusters to get up to 574% more for your home property damages.