Texas certainly sees its fair share of severe weather, and savvy residents prepare by investing in home insurance. Unfortunately, even if you’ve purchased coverage and paid your premiums on time, it’s still possible that the insurance company will deny your roof damage claim.
While there are many valid reasons for a claim denial, it’s not uncommon for insurance companies to mistakenly deny claims that should have been approved, or to underestimate the total cost of damages. If either has happened to you, read on to learn what to do next:
- Find out If the Insurance Company Made a Mistake
Claims adjusters and other people who work for insurance companies aren’t perfect; they can and do make mistakes that sometimes result in the denial of claims or unfair settlement offers. If your claim wasn’t approved or the settlement offer seems low, it’s a good idea to review your original paperwork to find out if an error was made either on your end or on the part of the insurance company.
The next step would be to contact the claims adjuster and request another review of the paperwork, but it’s wise to let an attorney handle this correspondence on your behalf—especially if your financial security is on the line. Roof damage can easily cost tens of thousands of dollars, and any statements you provide to the insurance adjuster may be used to challenge your claim during the appeal process.
Your attorney can also assess the validity of the alleged reason for the denial of your claim. If, for example, the insurer said that the type of damage your roof sustained isn’t covered, your lawyer can review the language of your policy to determine whether the denial was justified.
- Hire an Attorney
If the insurance adjuster has confirmed the denial of your claim and you haven’t yet hired a lawyer, now’s a good time to do so. Simply hiring an attorney will send a message to the insurer that you expect to be treated fairly. Your lawyer can handle all further correspondence with the insurance company and protect your legal rights.
- Get an Appraisal
If the insurance company offers an unfair settlement, your lawyer might arrange for an appraisal. This process involves two appraisers—one who represents the insurance company and one who represents you. These appraisers are tasked with determining the cost of damages.
- File a Complaint with the Department of Insurance
If you intend to handle the entire process without a lawyer, your next step would be to file a complaint with the Texas Department of Insurance (DOI). Unfortunately, it may take a considerable amount of time for the DOI to process your complaint.
If you hire a roof insurance claim denial attorney, it’s possible that he or she will be able to resolve your case much quicker than going through the DOI. A lawyer with the right experience will understand the relevant statutes and case law and can make sure the insurance company acts in good faith.
Discuss Your Case with a Roof Insurance Claim Denial Lawyer in Texas
If you are wondering what to do if your roof damage claim was denied, give us a call. Attorney Chelsie King Garza, P.C. has many years of experience enforcing the rights of homeowners in Texas. Chelsie can review the facts of your case, evaluate your insurance policy, answer your questions, and help you determine the best way to proceed. Call 713-893-8808 or send us a message to schedule a consultation.
