When hurricanes, tornadoes, or severe storms strike, Florida homeowners rely on their insurance policies to recover and rebuild. However, many find themselves battling not just the aftermath of the storm but also the very companies meant to support them.
At JT Law Firm, we’ve witnessed firsthand how insurance companies employ tactics that place policyholders at a disadvantage. Understanding these strategies is the first step toward protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.
Tactics insurance companies use to deny, underpay, or delay paying a claim.
1. Incomplete Inspections
An incomplete inspection can result in hidden damages being overlooked.
Insurance adjusters may conduct rushed inspections – this is generally more prevalent after a major event like a hurricane when insurance adjusters are given long lists of homes to inspect in a short time frame. When an inspection is rushed, it can lead to damage being missed, which then results in repair estimates that don’t account for the full extent of the damage sustained, leaving homeowners at risk of having to cover those additional costs out of pocket.
A thorough inspection is required to identify all affected areas in your home so you can have a fighting chance at a fair payout. We can help you receive a thorough inspection.
2. Disputing the Cause of Damage
This can mean the insurance company blames your damage on a pre-existing condition, which typically results in a claim denial.
A common tactic is for insurers to attribute damage to pre-existing issues or lack of maintenance rather than the recent storm. This approach can unjustly shift responsibility away from the insurer, resulting in a denied or reduced claim. Maintaining detailed records, pictures, and videos of your property’s condition before and after a storm can help fight against this tactic.
3. Lowball Settlement Offers
A lowball settlement is a payout offer from an insurance company that is below your actual repair costs. This typically results in a homeowner having to pay the difference out of pocket.
Insurers may present settlement offers that fall short of covering the actual repair or replacement costs. These offers often underestimate labor and material expenses or exclude certain damages altogether. Accepting such offers can leave homeowners financially burdened. It’s advisable to consult with a legal professional before agreeing to any settlement.
4. Delay Tactics
Delay tactics generally prolong the claims process, which can result in pressure being applied to homeowners, making them feel as if they have to accept any offer given to them.
Delays in processing claims can be a deliberate strategy to wear down policyholders. Repeated requests for documentation, slow responses, or assigning multiple adjusters can create frustration, leading some to accept lower settlements just to conclude the process. Being aware of these tactics and seeking legal assistance can help expedite your claim.
Never settle when you can win. JT Law Firm is here to empower homeowners when they’re up against insurance giants.
We are committed to advocating for homeowners and fighting so that insurance companies fulfill their obligations. Our experienced attorneys will work tirelessly to challenge unjust tactics and fight to secure the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Contact JT Law Firm today for a consultation, and let us help you level the playing field. Call us at (855) 585-2997 or Schedule your free claim review using this link.
