What To Do If You Disagree With A Home Insurance Adjuster

Dealing with a home insurance claim can be stressful, especially when you disagree with the adjuster’s assessment. Many homeowners find themselves in this frustrating situation after experiencing property damage or loss. If you disagree with the insurance adjuster’s decision, you have options to dispute the claim and potentially receive a fairer settlement.

The first step is to carefully review your homeowners insurance policy. Understanding your coverage limits and what types of damage are included can provide valuable insight into whether the adjuster’s assessment aligns with your policy terms. It’s also important to gather additional evidence to support your claim, such as photos, videos, or expert opinions on repair costs.

If you still believe the adjuster’s decision is unfair after reviewing your policy and documentation, consider contacting your insurance agent or the company’s claims department directly. Request a second review of your claim, possibly with a different adjuster. 

Working with a property damage lawyer is another way to ensure you get a fair payout. Oftentimes, the insurance company will take you a little more seriously just because you have an attorney. If you are in Florida and are dealing with a property damage claim, as many are after the recent hurricanes, The Landau Law Group is here to help. 

Contact us today for a free case review.

How to dispute a denied homeowners insurance claim

Disputing a denied homeowners insurance claim requires careful preparation and persistence. Several strategies can be employed to challenge the insurer’s decision and potentially secure coverage for the damage.

Review your claim and coverage

Carefully examine the insurance policy and claim details. Identify specific language that supports coverage for the incident. Compare the denial reasons against policy provisions. Look for any misinterpretations or oversights by the insurer. Gather additional evidence such as photos, videos, or witness statements that strengthen the case. Organize all relevant documents chronologically. Consider seeking a second opinion from an insurance professional to spot potential errors in the denial.

File an appeal

Submit a formal written appeal to the insurance company. Clearly outline why the denial was incorrect, referencing specific policy language. Include any new evidence or documentation supporting the claim. Request a full review by a different claims adjuster. Follow up regularly on the status of the appeal. Be prepared to provide additional information if requested. Consider escalating to a supervisor if the initial appeal is unsuccessful.

Get another opinion

Hire an independent insurance adjuster to reassess the damage. Their expertise can provide a neutral perspective on coverage and repair costs. Public adjusters work on behalf of policyholders rather than insurance companies. They may identify valid claim aspects overlooked by the insurer’s adjuster. Compare their assessment to the original denial. Use any discrepancies to bolster the appeal. Be aware that public adjusters typically charge a percentage of the claim amount.

File a complaint with your state’s insurance department

If the insurer refuses to reconsider, contact the state insurance department. File a formal complaint detailing the claim denial and appeal process. Provide copies of all relevant correspondence and documentation. The department may investigate whether the insurer followed proper procedures and regulations. This step can prompt a more thorough review by the insurance company. Be patient, as the process may take several weeks or months.

Hire a property damage attorney

For complex or high-value claims, legal representation may be necessary. Property damage attorneys specialize in insurance disputes. They can navigate the legal intricacies of policy language and coverage laws. Lawyers may negotiate directly with the insurer or pursue litigation if needed.

At Landau Law, we’ve helped our clients recoup millions for property damage. Contact us today for a free case consultation to learn how we can help you!