Dealing with an insurance company after filing a claim can be a stressful and daunting experience. After Hurricane Ian caused significant damage to your boat, you may find yourself at a loss when dealing with the insurance company to receive the money you are entitled to.
Insurance companies are notorious for denying or whittling down claims which is why it is important to take the time to learn your rights and prepare yourself with information.
Knowing how to handle the situation with the insurance company is essential to receiving the money you are due for the damage sustained by your boat. Here, we will discuss the necessary steps to take when dealing with an unfair insurance company after filing a claim involving boat damage from Hurricane Ian.
What to Do if Your Boat Was Damaged by Hurricane Ian?
If your boat was damaged by Hurricane Ian, you need to file a claim with your insurance company, telling them about the damage that has occurred to your boat. When filing a claim, it is important that you provide your insurance company with as much detail as possible about the damage to your boat. Hundreds of derelict boats have been counted after Hurricane Ian, racking up extensive damage.
Take note of the extent of the damage, the repairs that were needed, and what it cost you to get the repairs done. Please take photos of the damage and include them with your claim.
It is also important that you contact your agent with any additional information that would help to support your claim. Your insurance company may ask that you send them receipts and/or estimates of the repairs, so keep these on file.
If Your Insurance Company Tries to Deny Your Claim or Offer Less Money Than You Deserve, You Can Take Them to Court
There are many reasons why your insurance company may try to deny your claim or offer less money than you feel you deserve. When you are dealing with an unfair insurance company, it’s important that you do not give up and know that you have options.
You can sue your insurance company if they try to deny your claim or offer you a lower settlement than you think you deserve. There is also a chance that suing your insurance company after they have denied your claim can result in receiving a higher settlement than you had originally been offered. If you choose to take your insurance company to court, you will need to find an experienced attorney.
Excuses Insurance Companies Use to Deny a Claim
Insurance companies use a variety of excuses to deny claims, including claims involving damage to boats after Hurricane Ian. Here is an overview of some of the most common excuses that insurance companies use to deny a claim.
Not Enough Proof
If you request a large amount of money for the damages, your insurance company may need to do more research to make sure that you are owed the money and that you are entitled to it. If your insurance company does not feel that they have enough evidence to justify the payment, they may deny your claim.
The Damage Cost Less Than What You Indicated
Your insurance company may also try to deny your claim because they say that the repairs cost less than you claimed that they did. If you overstate the number of repairs or the cost, your insurance company may deny your claim because they believe that you exaggerated the amount of money it would take to fix your boat.
The Damage to Your Boat Predated Hurricane Ian
Your insurance company may try to deny your claim because they believe that the damage to your boat was caused by an act that occurred before Hurricane Ian. If you want to receive a claim payment for the damage to your boat after Hurricane Ian, you need to prove that the hurricane caused it.
Preparing the Necessary Documents, Keep Evidence of the Damage to Your Boat from Hurricane Ian
When you file a claim with your insurance company, you will need to provide them with enough evidence to prove that the damage to your boat was caused by Hurricane Ian. You will need to prove that the damage to your boat occurred during the specified time period and that Hurricane Ian caused it.
Remember, if your insurance company thinks that a pre-existing condition caused the damage to your boat, they will deny your claim.
What to Do if the Insurance Company Denies Your Claim?
If your insurance company has denied your claim, you will need to take action. You should not simply accept the determination and move on.
You can file a lawsuit against your insurance company if they deny your claim unjustly. If you have filed a claim and your insurance company has denied it, there is a chance that you are entitled to a great deal of money.
Insurance companies often lowball their clients and offer significantly less than what the claim is actually worth. In these situations, you may be able to file a lawsuit against your insurance company and receive a higher settlement.
Before you file a lawsuit against your insurance company, make sure that you speak with an attorney first to learn more about your options and what you can do next. An attorney from the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine can help guide you through the process and let you know what your next steps should be after your insurance company has denied your claim.
Has Your Insurance Company Denied Your Claim for Damage to Your Boat After Hurricane Ian? Call the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine!
If your insurance company has denied your claim for the damage to your boat after Hurricane Ian, it is critical that you get in touch with us as soon as possible. We can review the details of your case and recommend an action plan to help you get your hands on the money you are entitled to.
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Call the Law Firm of Anidjar & Levine at 1-888-816-9520 for a free consultation.
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