We carry insurance coverage on our cars, our homes and our health, and we hope that it’s never needed. However, when your car is totaled in an accident or your home was damaged in a hurricane, you expect that your insurance company will honor your property damage claim. What happens when your insurance claim is denied? What are legal rights do you have in a property damage dispute?
Our Winter Haven property damage attorneys know Florida laws inside and out and know how to best defend your claim. Our attorneys will ensure your insurance company:
- Does not deceive you regarding your policy coverage.
- Does not intentionally delay claim processing and provides valid evidence if they delay the claim for binding reasons.
- Changes your policy without notifying you.
- Demands irrelevant documents.
- Withholds payment of a claim to coerce you to accept another claim.
Property damage disputes are serious matters. Insurance companies are well versed in tactics to get out of paying valid claims.
You deserve to work with the best attorneys to ensure the best outcome. Contact us Rivas Law Group today for a free consultation.
Types of Property Damage We Handle
We handle many types of property damage disputes, including:
- Acts of nature (wind, hurricanes, floods, lightning, etc.)
- Fire
- Smoke
- Mildew or toxic mold
- Theft or vandalism
- Vehicle
- Falling Objects
- Damage from HVAC
Property Damage Dispute Options
If you have an insurance claim dispute, there are several options for resolving it, some more aggressive than others. These options include:
Talk to your insurance agent.
You have the option to get your insurance agent involved. If you have a positive relationship with them, this may be your best bet before escalating the matter further.
Insurance agents can advocate on your behalf, if they are willing. They know how to cut through the red tape, given they work with the insurance company often. This can be a speedier option than trying to communicate with the company directly.
If you go this route, make sure to provide your agent with the same documentation you have already given to the insurance company.
Write a letter.
If you don’t have a well-established relationship with your insurance agent, or they simply can’t help, you can write to the insurance company directly.
Do a bit of research and find the appropriate person to contact. They should be the head of their department – not an employee who will just re-direct you to contact someone else. You might be able to find information to contact them via phone or email. If not, use the company’s office mailing address.
Be sure to include your contact information and phone number. Clearly state the problem, including the steps that you have already taken. Include copies of all relevant paperwork. Suggest a fair solution, and ask for their recommendations.
Reach out to an authority.
You have the option to contact the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, the Better Business Bureau, and/or the Florida Attorney General.
The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation oversees the state’s insurance industry. Regulators can look into your complaint – but there are no guarantees, and often a long wait period.
The Florida Attorney General can provide information on consumer protection. The office might have information that can help your situation, but they can do little to push your case along.
Pursue mediation.
Mediation is an informal process where you will discuss your case with a representative from the insurance company. This can occur either in person or over the phone. To be eligible for this process you must file for mediation within two years of your insurance company’s refusal to pay your claim.
This is a low-risk option, but keep in mind, if you are already having issues with your insurance company settling, it is unlikely an informal process like mediation will motivate your company to settle your claim.
Contact an attorney.
The safest and most fool-proof option for resolving a property damage dispute in a fast and fair manner is by contact experienced Winter Haven property damage attorney Tania L. Rivas. She will be able to go over all your options and assist you throughout the process.
To ensure justice, remember: time is of the essence. Call our office now to schedule a free consultation and find out how you can hold the right people responsible and get the compensation you deserve.
