Homeowner & Renter Insurance Claim Disputes

Insurance Claim Lawyers

If you are like most people, you pay your homeowners or renters insurance premiums regularly and promptly. While you hope you won’t have to use that insurance coverage, it still puts you at ease knowing that you have such coverage available. Unfortunately, when you need the coverage the most, your insurance company may deny your claim. Even some of the most common home insurance claims in the winter can be denied.

Representing Homeowners And Renters In Greater Orlando

At the Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne, P.A., we have seen this happen to countless people just like you. From our office in Central Florida, our team of skilled attorneys helps clients recover money from homeowners insurance companies that deny or underpay claims. Put our years of experience behind you when battling your insurance company over a claim dispute.

Does My Policy Cover The Loss?

Insurance disputes often arise over whether or not a loss is covered under a homeowners or renters insurance policy. This depends largely upon the wording of your policy and its interpretation. Our lawyers will carefully analyze your situation and aggressively advocate for your loss to be covered. We review claims and denials associated with:

  • Code upgrades
  • Replacement value
  • Additional living expenses
  • Theft or burglary
  • Matching floors, cabinetry, carpet etc.
  • Hail, roofing claims or other storm damage

Reasons For Filing A Homeowners Insurance Claim

Homeowners insurance claims are filed every day in Orlando, FL, and the Orlando insurance lawyers with the Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne, P.A. share four common reasons for claims.

Storm & Wind Damage

Unfortunately, Florida weather creates plenty of situations for storm and/or wind damage to homes, whether from hurricanes, severe thunderstorms, tropical storms, and/or tornadoes. Insurance claims for wind damage usually cost at least $5,000 per claim in Florida.

Lightning & Fire Damage

Lightning strikes can cause significant structural damage in seconds. With Florida’s status as the leader in lightning strikes nationally, it’s a common reason for needing to file a homeowners insurance claim. Also, fire damage caused by cooking, an electrical issue, or a faulty appliance are frequent reasons for an insurance claim.

Water Damage

Keep in mind water damage covered by a typical homeowners insurance policy is damage caused by broken pipes or plumbing backups. Water damage caused by flooding requires a separate flood insurance policy and isn’t covered by homeowners insurance.

Guest Or Visitor Injury

When guests are in the home, the last thing you want is an accident to happen. Yet, slips and falls and other mishaps are common reasons for filing a claim. Also, homeowners insurance generally protects from liability if repair and service technicians who are injured while working at the home.

Why An Insurance Claim Might Not Be Covered

Homeowners and renter insurance policies aren’t all-encompassing. In fact, many parts of the home and everyday life usually aren’t covered by a standard policy, including:

  • Running a small business out of the home;
  • Flooding and flood-related damage;
  • Owning a specific breed of a dog deemed a high risk, such as German shepherds and pit bulls;
  • Termites and/or termite damage is found in the home; and
  • The home has a high-risk feature, such as a diving board with an in-ground pool or a backyard trampoline.

Why A Homeowners Insurance Claim May Be Denied

When a homeowners or renters insurance claim is submitted to the insurance company, the general understanding is the policy will pay out an amount sufficient to repair the damage. But, insurance companies frequently deny claims for many reasons, including:

  • The deductible amount is more than the total amount of damage;
  • The damage isn’t considered a covered peril under the policy;
  • The claim wasn’t submitted before the stated deadline; and
  • The claim didn’t include enough or compelling evidence of damage.

If your homeowners or renters insurance claim has been denied, contact an experienced Orlando insurance dispute attorney with the Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne, P.A.

What To Do For A Claim Denial

If your homeowners or renters insurance company has denied your claim, there are generally three steps of action you can take:

  • File an appeal with the insurance company;
  • Consider hiring an independent appraiser if the insurance company’s offer is too low; and/or
  • Contact the insurance dispute attorneys in Orlando with the Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne, P.A.

Denied Coverage? Let Us Fight For Your Rights

At the Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne, P.A., our property liability and insurance dispute lawyers fight hard to get you the coverage that you paid for under your insurance policy. To learn more about disputing an offer made by your rental or homeowners liability insurance, contact us or call for a free consultation with one of our insurance dispute lawyers.