As a property owner, you have many concerns, especially when it comes to your most valuable asset, your property. Storm damage—such as a hailstorms, tornados, hurricanes, and plumbing leaks—can only add to your stress. That’s why you have insurance, to help with unexpected losses that can be very expensive to repair.
When you have an unexpected loss, you file a claim assuming the insurance you have paid for will help you with your losses. What if your insurance estimate is under your deductible? There are still many options when an insurance estimate comes in below the deductible or cost of repair. The Kirk Law Firm, PLLC can help guide you through these options and help you get the coverage you have paid for.
Review Your Policy
Make sure to review your policy for what is covered and not covered. The insurance company is obligated to provide you with a letter regarding their claim decision, this is apart from the estimate. This will give you more details of why the estimate was below your deductible or less than the cost of repair.
There are several reasons your estimate might be below your deductible, including losses not covered or insured, minimal damages or adjusters minimizing or not fully investigating damage. An attorney at Kirk Law Firm, PLLC, can review your policy, estimate, and claim decision, to make sure your insurance company is not dismissing your claim in bad faith.
Document Everything
It is imperative as soon as you have an event to document all damage and communication. Weather it is a storm or a leak, take pictures of everything and keep all receipts of any immediate repairs. This information will be necessary if the insurance estimate comes in below the deductible or repair cost.
Submit Your Own Estimate
Remember: the insurance estimate/decision is not final.
You can submit your own proof of damage and estimate for the repair. It may be necessary to obtain a contractor or specialist to inspect the damage you have and submit a detailed and accurate estimate for the repairs. This is the point in which an attorney can be invaluable. The insurance company will often request a reinspection or can invoke appraisal. Kirk Law Firm can help you navigate these steps in a matter favorable to you.
Seek Guidance from an Insurance Claims Attorney
Insurance coverage is complicated and often insurance companies take advantage of insured’s lack of knowledge. An attorney can help you navigate the claims policy and gather the evidence necessary to get your claim paid. Call Kirk Law Firm, PLLC, to schedule a free consultation today. We will fight for the compensation you need to rebuild.
