Consumers purchase insurance coverage to help cover some of the costs of repairing or replacing property and assets, which can be expensive. They pay into monthly or annual premiums, believing the insurance company will provide them with the financial support they need when disaster strikes. Unfortunately, far too many insurers fail to uphold their obligations and instead do everything possible to deny claimants the compensation they are due.
Having an experienced Augusta property damage lawyer at Barrios Virgüez on your side may be your best chance to hold the insurance company accountable and access the financial compensation that is rightfully yours. A dedicated personal injury attorney at our firm will have a comprehensive understanding of what the insurer’s obligations may be and how to make them pay. Contact our office to request a 100% free consultation and demand the insurance company handle your property damage claim fairly.
Types of Property Damage Insurance Coverage in Augusta
When filing a property damage claim with the insurance company, it is important to understand how covered losses and causes work. Insurance only pays out on property damage claims if they were caused in specific ways and are seeking compensation for specific types of damages. Let’s look at an example:
Let’s say your home suffered severe water damage from flooding caused by a hurricane. You may have previously thought that your homeowner’s insurance coverage would compensate you for the costs of repairing the damaged property. However, if your insurance policy specifically excludes flood damage, you will need to have a separate flood damage policy if you hope to get the insurance company to cover your expenses.
You may also be able to file a property damage insurance claim for hurricane damage, as a renter, through your homeowners insurance policy, motor vehicle damage claims, fire and lightning property damage claims, and property damage caused by vandalism or theft. It may be unclear whether you should file a claim with your property damage insurance provider, especially if you have a significant deductible. Your property damage lawyer in Augusta, GA, with Barrios Virgüez, can review your insurance policy details and help you explore your legal options further.
To File or Not to File a Property Damage Insurance Claim
It is more common than you might think for insurance companies to take advantage of claimants and policyholders. The insurance company makes money by paying out as little as possible on claims and retaining as much of the money it brings in through insurance premiums. In fact, many insurance adjusters are tasked with combing through insurance claims, searching for opportunities to issue denials or reductions.
In some cases, it may not be in your best interests to file a property damage insurance claim. If you file a claim with your insurance company, your premiums will likely increase when it is time for your policy to renew. For this reason, particularly if you have a high deductible, it may be a better option to cover the costs out of your own pocket and pursue a premises liability action against the liable party where applicable.
However, if you have purchased property damage insurance coverage, you likely expect the insurance company to cover a portion of your damages. After all, this was the entire purpose of purchasing a property damage policy. For this reason, it is always a good idea to work with your Augusta property damage attorney to consider all potential opportunities for financial relief prior to discussing your property damage claim with an insurance adjuster.
The Insurance Company’s Obligation to Cover Property Damages
You may initially be taken aback when the insurance company denies your claim or tries to reduce the amount you are awarded. However, just because the insurance company is refusing to settle your claim fairly does not mean they should get away with failing to uphold their financial obligations. Your property damage lawyer in Augusta, GA, will closely evaluate your policy terms so we know what the insurance company’s obligations are.
It may come as a surprise to learn that filing a claim with the insurance company does not necessarily mean your property damages will be covered in full. The insurance company is only legally required to cover the maximum amount of coverage you purchased and only the specific types of covered losses as outlined in your policy. Your personal injury lawyer will ensure you understand the insurance company’s financial responsibilities to your claim and help you figure out how to recover compensation for any excess damages.
How to Challenge a Denied Property Damage Insurance Claim
Property damage insurance claims denials are increasingly common. Remember, the insurance company will always prioritize its financial needs. Thankfully, you can challenge a denied claim with help from your property damage attorney.
Often, insurance adjusters will be required to approve your claim for coverage when you provide sufficient evidence and documentation of the property damages in question. If your claim is initially denied due to a lack of this documentation or evidence, providing the insurance adjuster with additional supporting evidence can go a long way in getting your denial overturned. However, if the insurance company is handling your claim in bad faith, we may need to resort to further legal action.
Insurance companies are prohibited from engaging in bad-faith tactics. The insurance adjuster handling your claim may misrepresent your covered causes and losses, refuse to return your phone calls, or even blame you for causing the property damages in question. By having your Augusta property damage attorney step in and handle the communications with the insurance company on your behalf, you can breathe easier knowing you will not be taken advantage of during this stressful time in your life.
Connect With a Proven, Trial-Tested Property Damage Attorney in Augusta, GA, Today
Insurance companies may go to extraordinary lengths to deny claimants the compensation they are entitled to. But when you have a respected property damage lawyer at Barrios Virgüez advocating for your rights, you can breathe easier knowing our team has extensive experience bringing money-hungry insurers to justice. Our firm may be able to help you maximize your payout and get your property damages covered in full.
Do not hesitate to get started on your case. Request a free, no-obligation consultation to take action as soon as today. You can reach us by phone or through our quick contact form to take advantage of this opportunity.
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