San Antonio Insurance Property Damage Claims

Homeowner’s Insurance Coverage

The purpose of homeowner’s insurance is to pay for home repairs and replace belongings that were damaged under certain circumstances. What your policy covers, and which circumstances depend on the specific language of the contract.

Many homeowner’s insurance policies cover damage to:

• Your dwelling
• Other structures on your property
• Your personal property, like clothing and furniture
• Medical expenses if someone’s hurt on your property

Policies don’t cover some items or limit the amount. More expensive or priceless items, like engagement rings, might need an independent policy or rider.

What caused your property damage matters too. Homeowner’s insurance policies don’t cover every scenario. For example, most cover fires, theft, vandalism, and severe storm damage. But most don’t cover flood or earthquake damage.

Property Damage Claims in San Antonio

Homeowner’s insurance policies often cover damage related to:

• Storms
• Wind
• Hail
• Lightening
• Fallen trees
• Fire and smoke
• Vandalism
• Theft

These issues can cause severe damage to your home. Despite a clear need for repairs, your insurer might be stalling or difficult. Don’t hesitate to give The Law Giant a call when your insurance company isn’t treating you fairly and paying for the damage.

What Your Policy Won’t Cover

Homeowner’s insurance policies have many exclusions. As a homeowner, it can be frustrating to realize that when you buy a home, review your coverage, or face unexpected damage.

Many policies won’t cover damage related to:

• Floods
• Earthquakes
• Sinkholes
• Construction damage
• Sewage backup
• Infestations
• Normal wear and tear

Insurance Claim Deadlines & Rules

Many homeowners don’t realize that insurers have to meet deadlines established by law. These deadlines are just some of your many rights as consumers and insurance policyholders.

After you file a claim, the insurance company has 15 days to:

• Respond that it received the claim
• Start an investigation
• Ask you for any information it needs to decide your claim

The insurer will assign an adjuster who will usually inspect your home. During the investigation process, you have to cooperate. But if you think your insurance company is asking for more than it needs, or it’s dragging its feet, talk with a San Antonio insurance attorney.

Once the insurer has everything it needs, it has 15 business days to accept or reject your claim. However, the insurer can extend their deadline up to 45 days if it tells you and give you a reason why.

If your insurer approves your claim, it has five business days to pay you.

Your Rights During a Property Damage Claim

Review the Texas Consumer Bills of Rights to learn more about your rights or talk with a San Antonio insurance lawyer if you’re facing a problem.

Your rights during the insurance claims process include:

• The insurance company can’t make false, misleading, or deceptive statements about coverage.
• Your insurer must treat you fairly and honestly when you file a claim.
• You can refuse to give your insurer information that doesn’t relate to your claim.
• You can reject the insurance company’s settlement offer or unfair valuation.
• The insurance company must inform you why it denied all or part of your claim in writing.
• If the insurance company doesn’t meet their deadlines, you can demand 18% annual interest and attorney’s fees in addition to your claim amount.

Did Your Insurer Deny Your Property Damage Claim?

There are many reasons why an insurance company can deny a claim. Some of the most common reasons for insurance claim denials include:

• Policy Exclusions: Your policy might not cover damage from certain circumstances or specific items.
• Failure To Follow the Policy: Your insurer might claim you didn’t do something required by your policy.
• Failure To Disclose: Your insurer might claim you failed to disclose important information at some point.
• Canceled Policy/Lack of Coverage: Your insurer might say your policy had been canceled and you aren’t covered.
• Fraud: Your insurer might suspect fraud.

Receiving a denial letter can be a rude awakening. You’re expecting to receive a payout to get your home repaired or to replace your belongings. Suddenly, the insurance company you’ve been paying tells you no. If you believe the insurance company is wrong, give our San Antonio insurance lawyers a call.

Did Your Insurer Act in Bad Faith?

Despite how it feels, an insurance company can’t do anything it wants. It has to act within many legal boundaries, and above all, treat you fairly. If you suspect that your insurance company isn’t operating above board, give us a call right away. We have years of experience handling insurance claims and know how to spot bad faith when it happens.

If your insurer is guilty of acting in bad faith, you may have a separate legal claim against the company. With the help of a San Antonio bad faith insurance lawyer, you may receive compensation in addition to the value of your original claim.