What to Do if Your Storm Damage Claim Is Underpaid
Major storms like hurricanes can cause catastrophic property damage. When you file an insurance claim for storm damage, you expect your provider to assess the losses fairly and provide adequate compensation. Unfortunately, insurance companies don’t always live up to this expectation.
They may underpay claims or deny them outright to protect their profits. You may wonder what to do if your storm damage claim is underpaid. This is the right time to reach out for help from a Louisiana hurricane damage lawyer.
It is important to know that you don’t have to accept the insurance company’s decision. There are steps you can take to fight for the full amount you’re owed under your policy. Louisiana’s Storm Claim Lawyers at Laborde Earles can guide you through this process.
Signs Your Claim Was Underpaid
In most cases, claimants don’t know what to look for or how to tell if their insurance company has treated them fairly. There are several potential red flags that your storm damage claim may have been underpaid:
The Insurance Adjuster’s Damage Assessment Seems Incomplete or Downplays the Extent of the Losses
Insurance adjusters may miss or intentionally overlook certain types of storm damage during their inspections. Be wary if their reported assessment grossly underestimates what you can visibly see in terms of damage to your home or business. Adjusters may also try to downplay the severity to justify a lower payout.
You Receive an Unreasonably Low Settlement Amount Compared to Contractor Repair Estimates
Get repair quotes from trusted, independent contractors in your area. If the settlement amount offered by your insurance company falls far below these legitimate estimated repair costs, it indicates they are underpaying your claim.
The Insurance Company Denies Coverage for Certain Types of Storm Damage You Believe Should Be Covered
Read your policy carefully to understand what is covered. Insurers may wrongfully deny your hurricane damage claim by misapplying exclusions or policy language. Common storm and hurricane damage that should be covered include wind damage, water damage from rain, damage from falling trees/debris, etc.
There Are Unexplained Delays, or the Claims Process Has Stalled
Insurance companies may delay addressing your claim, asking for redundant information, or simply not responding in a timely manner. These are stall tactics used to avoid paying out on claims. If you face unreasonable delays, it could indicate they are making lowball offers, hoping you’ll just accept.
Get a Second Damage Assessment
If you suspect your storm damage claim was underpaid, it’s a good idea to get an independent damage assessment from a trusted contractor or public adjuster. This can provide evidence to challenge the insurance company’s findings.
Review Your Policy Carefully
Read through your homeowner’s or commercial property insurance policy line-by-line. Make sure you understand exactly what types of storm damage should be covered. The insurance company may be trying to deny payment based on an exclusion that doesn’t apply.
File an Appeal
Most insurers allow you to file an official appeal if you disagree with their decision on your claim amount. Our Louisiana hurricane damage attorneys can help gather documentation and present a strong case for why you deserve more compensation.
Negotiate a Settlement
With evidence of your full losses, your lawyer can conduct settlement negotiations and argue for a fair payout. Insurance companies are often motivated to settle when facing potential legal action.
Take Legal Action if Needed
If the insurance company still refuses to pay what you’re owed, your last recourse may be filing a bad faith lawsuit. This accuses the insurer of improperly handling your claim and can help recover the compensation you deserve, plus potential additional damages.
Don’t Get Taken Advantage of
Insurance companies have deep pockets and will vigorously protect their profits, even if it means shortchanging customers on legitimate storm damage claims.
Additionally, be wary if the insurance representative seems to be using confusing language, pressures you to accept a quick low settlement, or makes any threats about penalizing you for not accepting.
These are bad faith tactics that signal the company is not handling your claim properly. Having an experienced Lafayette hurricane damage lawyer on your side can level the playing field.
Contact Us to Learn What to Do if Your Storm Damage Claim Is Underpaid
If you suspect your homeowners or commercial property insurance company has underpaid your legitimate storm damage claim, it’s crucial to act quickly. Insurance companies are motivated to minimize payouts, so they may downplay damages or wrongfully deny coverage. An experienced property damage attorney can level the playing field.
Contact Louisiana’s Storm Claim Attorneys at Laborde Earles today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation about your underpaid storm damage claim.
Our legal team understands the bad faith tactics insurers often employ. We’ll investigate every aspect of your claim, fight aggressively to maximize your rightful recovery, and ensure your losses are fully covered.
