After your UPC property claim has been denied, you will be feeling understandably upset and worried. You may be worried about the costs for repairs and replacement and wonder why you bothered paying for insurance in the first place.
However, a denial of your claim does not mean you have no further options for securing compensation. A property attorney may be able to renegotiate your claim directly with your insurance company, and even file suit if necessary on your behalf.
Call the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine to learn about your options: 1-800-747-3733. We will start with a complimentary case review to discuss your next steps.
What You Should Expect from a Property Attorney
Once you have a denied UPC property claim, the burden falls on you to prove the insurance company has been wrong. It can seem like a daunting task — after all, how can one individual go against a powerful corporation? However, it is important to note you do not need to handle this alone.
You have enough to focus on; let our team handle your case. As our client, we will do the following for you:
- Help you understand the technical jargon in your insurance policy. Insurance policies are almost impossible for the average person to understand. Our team will go over your policy with you to ensure you understand the language used so the insurer cannot take advantage of you.
- Fill out complicated and confusing claim paperwork. One wrong move on insurance paperwork can lead to another denial. Our team will fill out all the paperwork and ensure it is entirely accurate before we send it out.
- Go back and collect evidence to demonstrate “proof of loss.” If any further evidence is needed, we will collect it.
- Negotiate with the insurance company’s lawyers and adjusters. Insurance companies want to pay you as little as possible. Our team will negotiate with the insurance company to get the payout you deserve.
- File suit in civil court, if necessary. If the insurer is acting in bad faith, we can take it to court and ensure you get what your policy dictates. (If we win, the insurer must pay your legal fees.)
What a Property Attorney Will Need
If you have a denied UPC property claim, an attorney may need your help in putting together an appeal.
Collect all estimates you have already received for repairs. Make sure you save all your receipts for temporary or emergency repairs, or any other expenses you have incurred because of your property damage or loss. If your home was made uninhabitable and you needed temporary lodging, or if you needed to replace clothing or other personal items, all associated costs could be part of your claim.
Key Reasons UPC May Have Denied Your Claim
Having a denied UPC property claim can be incredibly stressful — particularly when you are still dealing with the aftermath of damage and loss. But insurance companies will have a variety of reasons for denying your claim.
Unpaid premiums: If you missed a policy payment or paid late several times, the insurance company has the right to deny your claim.
High deductible: Most insurance plans have an initial deductible of at least $1,000. This means UPC will not cover the first $1,000 of your claim. Only the amount over $1,000 will be reimbursed.
Cause not covered: Some plans only cover certain types of “peril” such as windstorm or flood. Insurance companies may try to assert damage caused by hail, rain, or lightning, for example, is exempt.
False application information: If you exaggerated or were otherwise untrue about any aspect of your original insurance application, you could be in trouble. The insurance company will always review your original application and could deny your claim if there are discrepancies.
A member of our team will look into why UPC denied your claim and see how we can help with your appeal. Call today for a free consultation: 1-800-747-3733.
Your Rights in Florida
Florida law protects the rights of homeowners in terms of speed of processing of their claims.
The Homeowners Bill of Rights states:
- Within 14 days of the date you submitted your claim, your insurance company must acknowledge receipt.
- Within 30 days of receiving your claim — if you requested it in writing — your insurance company must send you confirmation of the status of your claim, and notify you whether your claim is being fully covered, only partially covered, has been denied, or requires further investigation.
- Within 90 days of receiving your claim, you should have received either the full payment of your claim from your insurance company, the portion of your claim that is not under dispute, or a written statement from your insurance company of denial.
In no instance should you be left in the dark by your insurance company, no matter what the outcome is.
Call an Insurance Property Attorney
If you are currently in dispute with UPC over a property claim, you may be unsure where to turn. The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine want to help.
We will learn about your case during a free case evaluation. You will have time to ask any questions and voice your concerns. We will take thorough notes, review your rights as a homeowner, and then discuss the next steps.
From gathering important documents and paperwork to speaking directly to UPC, the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine have the resources and experience to effectively and efficiently handle your case.
Call 1-800-747-3733 to set up your free case evaluation and let us help you recover the compensation for your property claim that UPC is trying to deny.
We Can Help.
