Managing Shareholder
Facing the aftermath of a hurricane is challenging enough without the added frustration of an insurance claim that falls short. Unfortunately, underpaid claims are a common issue, leaving homeowners struggling to cover necessary repairs. If you’ve received an amount that doesn’t reflect the true cost of the damage, it’s important to take action. Whether the underpayment is due to errors, disagreements over coverage, or lowball estimates, there are steps you can take to ensure your property is properly repaired and your claim is paid fairly.
Assessing the Situation: Was Your Claim Underpaid?
After receiving a payout for your hurricane damage claim, it’s important to determine whether the amount covers the necessary repairs and expenses. Start by reviewing your insurance policy to understand the coverage limits, deductibles, and any exclusions. Compare this to the estimate provided by the insurance adjuster to ensure that all aspects of the damage were properly considered. Underpayment often occurs when adjusters overlook or undervalue certain repairs, miscalculate the cost of labor and materials, or dispute the extent of the damage.
Look for discrepancies between the payout and quotes you’ve obtained from contractors or repair services. It’s also possible that hidden damage was missed during the initial inspection, resulting in an inaccurate claim amount. If the insurance company’s explanation doesn’t align with the actual damage, or if you feel that critical repairs were excluded, your claim may have been underpaid, and it’s time to take further action.
Steps to Take After Receiving an Underpaid Claim
If you’ve received an underpaid hurricane damage claim, there are several steps you can take to challenge the decision and seek fair compensation. Acting quickly and being thorough with your documentation will improve your chances of success.
- Review your policy: Begin by carefully reviewing your insurance policy to ensure you understand your coverage, including limits, exclusions, and deductibles.
- Request an explanation: Contact your insurance company to request a detailed explanation of how they arrived at the payout amount. This can clarify any discrepancies or missed damage.
- Document the damage: Gather any additional documentation that supports your claim. This includes photos of the damage, receipts for temporary repairs, and written estimates from contractors.
- Request a reinspection: Ask your insurer for a reinspection if you believe significant damage was missed or underestimated during the initial inspection.
- Consider an appraisal: Many policies include an appraisal clause, allowing both you and the insurance company to hire independent appraisers to assess the damage and settle the dispute.
- Keep detailed records: Document all communication with the insurance company, including emails, phone calls, and letters, to have a clear record of your efforts to resolve the claim.
Following these steps helps ensure that your claim is reassessed fairly.
How We Can Help You Fight for Fair Compensation
At Tomlinson Law Group, we understand how frustrating it can be to receive an underpaid insurance claim, especially when you’re dealing with hurricane damage. Our team is committed to helping you secure the compensation you deserve by thoroughly reviewing your policy, investigating the damage, and negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf. We can represent you in court to protect your rights if necessary. We work to challenge the insurance company’s findings, providing expert testimony and detailed documentation to strengthen your case. Let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on restoring your property.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Act
Delaying action after receiving an underpaid hurricane damage claim can have serious consequences. Insurance policies often have strict deadlines for appealing claim decisions or filing lawsuits, and missing these deadlines can prevent you from recovering the compensation you deserve. Additionally, unresolved damage can worsen over time, leading to more costly repairs. The sooner you act, the better your chances of securing a fair payout.
Helping Florida Residents with Hurricane Damage Claims
Tomlinson Law Group is dedicated to helping you secure the full compensation you deserve for your hurricane damage claim. We’ll handle negotiations with your insurance company and fight for a fair settlement. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you protect your home and finances.
