ABOUT HOMEOWNER’S INSURANCE
We recognize that homeowner’s insurance is a necessity, and when it comes to filing a claim, insurance providers may sometimes cause angst as opposed to alleviating it. Do you know what rights you have if your insurance provider does not act prudently when handling your claim? This article gives a brief look the claim process and overall issues with homeowner’s policies and insurance providers.
To begin the process, as the policyholder, you must first file a claim. Once your claim is filed, your insurance provider must begin investigating your claim within 15 days. If any documentation is requested, once that is submitted, the insurance provider must either accept or deny your claim within 15 days. If it accepts and agrees to pay, payment must be made within five business days. In the event of a denial, your insurance provider must provide you with a written explanation. If you are interested in learning about what to do if your claim is denied, see our article on Property Insurance Claim Denials for more information.
Policyholders must rely heavily on their insurance provider to procure proper coverage based on their individual needs. As a policyholder, you do not have the authority to negotiate terms or even review the policy during the initial stages. Only after the very complex policy is finalized do you have the ability to read what you have already began to pay for.
Although insurance providers strive to provide the best coverage, that does not always happen. Occasionally, there will be an issue that arises that leaves the policyholder unprotected or with insufficient coverage. If you believe your insurance provider has not acted reasonably to ensure the best coverage, as a policyholder, you have the option to file a bad faith claim to receive just compensation. In Texas, there are two ways to prove a bad faith claim: (1) show your insurance provider denied your claim although liability was reasonably clear or (2) show your insurance provider acted in one of the ways prohibited by either the Unfair Methods of Competition and Unfair or Deceptive Acts or Practices Act or the Unfair Claim Settlement Practices Act.
If you are facing an issue with your insurance provider and you would like to get in contact with one of our attorneys, follow the steps outlined in the Get Started Now section below. For additional information on our online consultation process and hourly rates, please visit our Online Consultations Page.
Getting Started with Homeowner’s Insurance Representation
- Email info@fobesbarrentinelaw.com with a thorough, but precise summary of your claim, and services being requested. Please list any pertinent facts affecting your claim and any questions you may have. Attach all relevant documents to this initial email. The contents of your initial email will remain confidential.
- Within 1-2 business days (often faster), you will receive a response to your email with a quote, payment link, and engagement letter for the initial consultation based on the summary of your legal issue and the length and complexity of the documents attached.
- In no circumstance will you be charged more than your initial consultation quote (full representation) or the quoted flat-fee (flat-fee structure) unless you give written authorization to proceed with the representation. After the initial consultation, you may agree to proceed on an hourly basis, on a flat fee if available, or you may decide to end the representation.
Please note, the information on this webpage should not be considered legal advice and is strictly for informational purposes. Any interaction with this webpage or initial correspondence with our attorneys does not qualify as providing legal advice or retaining legal representation. Legal advice is available only to clients who have an executed Engagement Agreement with Forbes Barrentine Law PLLC. Forbes Barrentine Law PLLC does not provide legal advice relating to federal or state income taxes.
