After a catastrophic storm damages your home, the worst possible news you may get is a denied United property claim in Florida. After all, what good is paying for insurance, if it does not help you out when you need it?
Whether United is refusing to pay the full amount you believe you need to completely repair your damage, or it denied your claim outright, you do not have to give up and accept it.
An insurance attorney may be able to get you the full amount you deserve, at no out-of-pocket cost to you. Call the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine today for a complimentary, no-obligation case evaluation: 1-800-747-3733.
Reasons Why United Could Deny Your Claim
While insurance companies try to reassure you that they are on your side, and have your back no matter what, the fact is they are in business to make a profit and will do what they can to minimize the amount they have to pay out on claims.
Insurance companies have several reasons for denying claims:
Peril: The specific “peril” that caused your damage was not specified in your policy. For example, your policy covers fire or windstorm, but hail caused the damage.
Application: The information on your original application does not accurately represent the condition of your house or property at the time of the damage. Be sure you do not exaggerate the value.
High Deductible: Your deductible amount is higher than the cost of repair or replacement. For example, if your deductible is $1000, but the cost of repairs is $800, your claim would be denied.
Unpaid Premiums: If you have ever missed a payment, or continuously pay late, the insurance company has a right to deny your claim.
However, an insurance property attorney may still be able to secure compensation for you. Call 1-800-747-3733 to see how our team can help.
What You Will Need to Fight a Denied United Property Claim
While there is no guarantee your insurance company will accept your claim, the more information you can provide, the better to prove your claim is legitimate and help expedite the claims process. As soon as possible after your property damage occurs, begin collecting your supporting evidence:
- Using photos or videos, document your damage, and include a list of missing items.
- Keep receipts for any expenses you have as a result of the damage. For example, if your kitchen is unusable after sustaining damage and you must eat all your meals in a restaurant, retain those receipts.
- Collect any estimates you have already received for repairs. If your home needs emergency repairs, pay a contractor for those repairs only.
- Make sure you have a complete copy of your insurance policy — not just the declaration page — showing the full coverage detail. If you decide to hire a property attorney to assist your claim, it will likely be the first thing they ask for.
Know Your Rights in Florida
According to state statute, homeowners are entitled to certain rights during their business dealings with insurance companies. In fact, there is a Florida Homeowners Bill of Rights specifically written to protect homeowners from dishonest insurance companies who use unreasonable tactics to delay or refuse claims. The Bill of Rights states:
- Your insurer must acknowledge it received your insurance claim within 14 days of your submission.
- Within 30 days of your submission, your insurance company must send you a status report on your claim, including whether it requires further investigation, or if the insurer is going to partially or fully cover or deny it.
- Your insurance company must complete its review of your claim within 90 days, and either send you the full payment, the portion of your claim which it is not disputing, or a written denial with an explanation of why it denied your claim.
However, even you have a denied United property claim in Florida, a property attorney may be able to help you recover the financial compensation you seek.
Why You May Want to Hire a Property Attorney
If you have a denied United property claim in Florida, an insurance attorney can fight for you to maximize your payout. A property attorney will:
- Help you complete the mountains of paperwork associated with your claim, including collecting the necessary evidence to prove your loss.
- Ensure your insurance company complies with the Homeowner’s Bill of Rights.
- Make sense of the jargon in your insurance policy.
- Negotiate with your insurance company on your behalf.
- Even represent you in court, if your insurance company is acting in bad faith.
Insurance companies have armies of lawyers to fight on their behalf. It only makes sense for you to level the playing field with your own legal counsel.
Get Help from a Denied United Property Claim Lawyer in Florida
Just because you have a denied United property claim does not mean your case is closed, cut and dry. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine are standing by to provide you with responsive legal care.
We go the extra mile to ensure you receive the full compensation to which you are entitled.
Take the first step today and call the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine for a complimentary case review and evaluation. Help is just a phone call away at 1-800-747-3733.