What To Do if Homeowners Insurance Company Is Stalling

If your homeowners insurance company is stalling, document all interactions and persistently follow up, ensuring you understand and fulfill policy requirements. If unresolved, consider filing a formal complaint with your state's insurance department and seek legal advice or the services of a public adjuster. This proactive approach often helps in keeping the process moving.

However, if these efforts don't yield results and the issue remains unresolved, your next step should be to file a formal complaint with your state's insurance department, seek legal advice or hire a public adjuster. These experts can negotiate on your behalf and help navigate the complexities of insurance claims, increasing the likelihood of a favorable outcome. Remember, understanding your rights and options is important in effectively dealing with a stalling insurance company.

Legal counsel acts as an advocate for the homeowner, representing their interests in dealings with the insurance company. When dealing with home insurance claim delays, seeking legal counsel can be valuable. Here's when and how to seek legal advice, along with what to expect from hiring an attorney:

• Persistent Delays: If your insurance claim is continuously delayed without a valid reason, despite your efforts to resolve it.
• Dispute Over Claim: If there is a dispute regarding the claim amount, coverage or denial of the claim.
• Complex Claims: In cases where the claim is complicated, involving significant damages or legal intricacies.

• Research Attorneys: Look for attorneys who specialize in insurance law or have experience with home insurance claims.
• Initial Consultation: Most attorneys offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case and offer guidance.
• Engagement: If you decide to proceed, you will sign a contract with the attorney to officially start the representation.

• Expert Guidance: An attorney can provide expert advice on insurance laws and your policy's specifics.
• Negotiation: They will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to ensure a fair settlement.
• Representation: If necessary, they will represent you in legal proceedings or in disputes with the insurance company.
• Fees: Be aware of their fee structure, which might be hourly, a flat fee or contingent on the claim's success.
• Communication: They should provide regular updates and open lines of communication regarding the status of your claim.

Public adjusters are licensed professionals who assist homeowners in managing home insurance claims, particularly during delays. They review the policy, accurately assess property damage and handle all aspects of filing and negotiating the claim. Their expertise in insurance laws and negotiation helps secure fair settlements and reduces the burden on homeowners, streamlining the claim process. By taking over communication with insurance companies, they alleviate the stress and complexity often associated with insurance claims.

Home insurance providers might stall for several reasons, often related to their internal processes, business practices or specific circumstances related to a claim. While these are potential reasons for stalling, not all delays are intentional or malicious. Insurance claims can be inherently complex, and various legitimate factors can contribute to the time it takes to resolve a claim.

As a homeowner's insurance policyholder, you are best served by understanding your rights to ensure fair and just treatment by your insurance provider. This empowers you to effectively manage claims, handle disputes and recognize when your policy's terms are being met or violated. Protect your interests and receive the coverage you're entitled to under your policy.

• Fair Treatment: You have the right to fair and non-discriminatory treatment from your insurance company, including clear communication.
• Prompt Communication: Insurers must respond to your inquiries and claims in a timely manner and explain any delays.
• Policy Clarity: You are entitled to a clear understanding of your policy's coverage, exclusions, limits and deductibles.
• Appeal Rights: If a claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision and receive a detailed explanation for the denial.
• Filing Complaints: You can file a complaint against your insurance company with the state insurance department if you're dissatisfied with claim handling.
• Representation: You have the right to hire legal or professional representation, like a public adjuster, in your dealings with the insurance company.
• Fair Claims Process: You are entitled to a timely and unbiased investigation and settlement of your insurance claims.

Understanding why your homeowners insurance company is stalling is important to know what you should do next. There are several steps that you can take such as following up with them by having open communication and providing all requirements that they ask for. And if things get worse, you can seek legal advice. We answered frequently asked questions to help you navigate this issue.