Hailstorm, Tornado or Storm Damage Claims Lawyers

Homeowners in Arkansas must understand that insurance companies don’t always have your best interest in mind. They may aim to pay you as little as possible after storm damage. They may not be concerned with your family or with repairing your home. But we are. Our Arkansas storm damage attorneys know the common tactics insurance companies use, and we know how to fight back.

When dealing with denial, delays, or underpayment of storm damage claims, look for these common insurance company tactics.

Denial of Claims

Insurance companies will often deny storm damage claims hoping you won’t fight back. They’re hoping you go away and pay for the home damages yourself. The reason for their denial might even seem legitimate until you talk to an experienced Arkansas storm damage attorney.

Common denial tactics include:

• Policy Exclusions. Insurers may point to specific exclusions in the policy that they claim exempt the damages suffered from coverage. It is essential to review your policy to understand the scope of coverage carefully.
• Pre-existing Damage. Some insurers might argue that the damage existed before the storm, attempting to remove the responsibility from themselves. Thorough documentation and evidence can help counter such claims.
• Inadequate Evidence. Insurance companies may demand extensive documentation and evidence to support the claim, making the process more burdensome for policyholders. Maintaining detailed records and collecting evidence promptly after the storm strengthens your claim.

Delayed Claims Processing

Intentionally prolonging the claims process is another tactic employed by insurance companies. Insurers may request repetitive or excessive documentation, causing unnecessary delays and frustration. Some companies might schedule multiple inspections or assessments, each taking additional time before approving or denying a claim.

Slow response times and a lack of clear communication can exacerbate the financial strain on policyholders. They know that you want your home repairs to get done quickly. They’re hoping that by delaying your storm damage claim, you’ll give in and move on with your life.

Underpayment of Claims

Insurance companies may undervalue storm damage claims, offering inadequate compensation for repairs or replacements. Insurers may apply depreciation to the value of damaged items, resulting in lower payouts. They may only consider necessary repairs or replacements, resulting in insufficient compensation. Seeking professional opinions and independent assessments can help ensure a fair evaluation of damages.

Some insurance companies may deliberately offer lower settlement amounts, hoping that policyholders will accept them out of desperation or lack of knowledge.

You can file an appeal if the insurance company denies your storm damage claim. The appeals process is complex, and you should contact an experienced attorney to help. Your attorney will know the deadlines, requirements, and procedures for submitting an appeal.

Your legal team will work diligently to collect additional evidence, expert opinions, or documentation to support your claim and appeal. This may include photographs, videos, repair estimates, witness statements, or reports from independent inspectors or contractors.