When does it make sense to hire a lawyer for a home insurance claim? Home insurance is a perfect way to protect your home and everything in it. However, filing a claim is not always that smooth. You may have to hire a lawyer to help you in the claim process if you hit a wall when negotiating with your insurer.
If your home insurance claim is denied completely or quite complex or you need expert advice on how to go on, you may need to hire a lawyer
When is the Right Time to Hire a Lawyer for a Home Insurance Claim?
Hiring a lawyer for a home insurance claim might seem very complicated and extreme. However, it can be an important or crucial step if your claim is disputed. It’s better to reach out to a lawyer early if you think you need one.
Many people worry about the cost of hiring a lawyer, but this shouldn’t stop you from getting legal help. Many home insurance lawyers work on a contingency basis. Meaning they only get paid if you win the case, taking a percentage of the recovered amount instead of charging upfront fees.
You can easily locate home insurance lawyers who offer free consultations. This will help you decide if you have a strong case before committing to hiring a lawyer.
Reasons to Hire a Home Insurance Lawyer
Home insurance claims can be quite complex, and if your claim is denied or you disagree with the settlement amount, you might need a home insurance lawyer. Just so you know, insurance companies don’t profit by paying out claims.
You might need a lawyer if you think your insurer is unfairly denying your claim or offering too little. A lawyer can create and apply pressure on the insurance company, making it more likely they’ll accept your claim and pay you fairly.
You should consider hiring a lawyer if there’s a large amount of money involved, if there are unnecessary delays in the claims process, or if you’re having trouble proving who is responsible for the damage to your home.
What Kind of Lawyer Should I Hire for an Insurance Claim?
You should consider going to a specialist. A lawyer who handles everything from wills to divorces is probably not the best choice for an insurance claim.
First of all, start by asking friends, family, and colleagues for referrals. If they know a lawyer, that lawyer might recommend someone who specializes in insurance claims.
If your employer offers legal benefits (like MetLife Legal Plans), check there. Also, you can take a look at the American Bar Association’s list of state bar associations.
Verify the lawyer’s credentials on your state bar association’s website. Check reviews on Avvo, a lawyer directory site, to know what past clients say about the lawyer and their staff.
When evaluating a potential lawyer, consider these questions:
- How long has the lawyer been admitted to the state bar?
- Is their license active?
- Does the attorney work directly with clients?
- How is the customer service?
How to Settle an Insurance Claim
Understanding your home insurance policy and coverage is key to successfully settling a claim. Below are the steps that you should follow:
- Review Your Policy: Read your policy to confirm that the damages you want to file claims for are covered. If you have questions, your insurance company can help clarify.
- Document Your Damages: Carefully document all damages with photos, videos, or a detailed list. The more evidence you have, the harder it is for the insurance provider to reject your claim.
- File the Claim: Submit your claim as soon as possible after the damage happens. You should keep receipts for any related expenses, such as hotel stays, to support your claim.
- Review the adjuster’s report: An insurance adjuster will assess the damage and suggest a settlement amount. You’ll need to decide whether to accept the amount or reject it.
- Consider Professional Help: If the settlement offer is way too low, your claim is denied. You might want to hire a homeowner’s insurance lawyer or a public claims adjuster.
You should keep in mind that public adjusters can be helpful, but not for every claim. They are often best for larger claims or when the insurance company isn’t covering certain damages or offering a fair settlement. Make sure you do your research and choose a reputable public adjuster or lawyer, and remember they charge for their services, just like a home insurance attorney.
What to Expect When Settling an Insurance Claim
Each insurance claim is unique, and the process can vary based on the insurance company, the issues involved, and the size of the loss. Some insurance companies are more willing to resolve disputes early. Others might require a lawsuit.
If you hire a home insurance lawyer, they will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. The amount of negotiation depends on how ready the insurer is to settle.
If the insurer refuses to pay a fair settlement, your lawyer might sue the company for you. This could prompt the insurer to settle to avoid court fights.
If you think your insurance company is being fraudulent, you should quickly report them to your state insurance agency or the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). While this may not affect your claim, it alerts regulators to the action of the provider.
