Tampa Property Insurance Lawyer
In theory, property insurance claims should be easy. You pay your monthly premiums, and in the event of a covered loss, your insurance company provides coverage. Unfortunately, these claims are often more complicated than that. Below, we at Corless Associates in Tampa have provided a list of property insurance claim FAQs to help you understand property damage claims and how they affect policyholders:
- When should I file a property damage claim? File a claim as soon as your home or business property sustains water, fire, smoke, hurricane, sinkhole or other damage.
- How do I file a claim? Filing a claim is generally a five-minute phone call to your insurance company. The insurer will ask for certain information such as your name, address, type of damage and the date that the damage occurred. You do not need an attorney for this, although our lawyer will be happy to help if you wish.
- Can I depend on my insurance agent to look out for my best interests? Like any business, insurance companies are mindful of their bottom line. Therefore, they frequently attempt to minimize or avoid paying on claims. That is why it is important for you to understand your coverage and consult with a lawyer if your insurer fails to pay, offers a settlement below your claim's value or unreasonably delays payment.
- What is a public adjuster? A public adjuster is an insurance claims adjuster who advocates for policyholders, appraising and negotiating property damage claims. At Corless Associates, we are often hired by independent public adjusters to help with certain damage claims such as sinkhole claims.
- How long will it take for my insurance company to pay my property damage claim? Most insurance policies state a time frame for payment of claims. Some insurers are obligated to pay within 30 days of receipt of proof of loss, but your policy may specify a different timeframe.
- If I have a relatively small insurance claim that my insurer refuses to pay, will it cost me more to pursue the claim than I may recover? Not necessarily. At Corless Associates, we handle property insurance claims on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing unless we obtain compensation on your behalf.
- I bought my property insurance policy a few years ago and have faithfully paid monthly premiums. Can my insurer deny my claim because of a mistake on my application? Incorrect information on your application can prevent recovery, even if you unintentionally provided the inaccurate information. However, there are exceptions to this rule. If your insurance company denies a claim because of an alleged error on your application, it is time to seek legal assistance.
If you have other questions that were not addressed in our property damage claim FAQ, speak with our attorney. Contact us online or call 813-498-1623 or 877-517-5595 to schedule a free initial consultation. Our lawyer answers phone calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Evening and weekend appointments are available by request.
