Did you know that out of around 50 insured homes that have a property damage claim, only 20 get reimbursed? Why do such insurance issues like this happen so often? Especially because home insurance exists to help people when these scenarios occur?
Many people aren’t aware of just how many gray areas there maybe when it comes to condo insurance claims. It’s not always easy to ensure proving that you are right to the insurance company. In most cases, this is because it’s quite rare for regular people to be all that well versed in the ins and outs of how insurance works in practice. This isn’t true for all insurance companies but, unfortunately, some of them do profit out of such people and scenarios.Â
All this is why it is imperative that, if you have condo insurance, you do your research on the topic. If you don’t have it yet, doing this research will ensure that you find the best insurance policy out there. This knowledge is also going to allow you to understand your rights and how to defend them. After reading this article, you will understand when is the time to contact a lawyer about a condo insurance claim. You get to understand how a lawyer can help you with such cases. Let’s start with the basics, and then we’ll get to more intricate details.
What is condo insurance exactly?
Condominium insurance is oftentimes also referred to as HO-6 insurance. It is quite like other types of home insurance policies, but there are some differences. This means that it covers any incidents that occur within the walls of your condo. So – damage to your personal property, and your liability insurance as well. Oftentimes, personal condo insurance covers theft, as well as your personal property. It’s highly suggested that you opt for such policies as they don’t cost much more, and can help you a lot.
Now, here’s what is important to do when you’re searching for a good insurance policy. When looking for insurance policies like this, you must make sure that you have full documentation of your building’s master policy. The reason for this lies in the fact that this is the only way in which your agent can provide you with a policy that covers and protects you fully.
When should you contact a lawyer?
Here’s the thing – in a large number of cases, a lawyer isn’t necessary. This is especially true for small claims that are quite common, and they are usually settled without any trouble. When it comes to larger cases, things get a bit more complicated. The rule of thumb is that if there’s more at stake, the chance for dispute rises. Cases like these could use help from a lawyer.Â
So, what cases are we talking about exactly? In most cases, these are just the cases in which the probability of you and the insurance company’s disagreement is higher. It may be due to claims that are related to complex scenarios or are more expensive for your insurance company. Large claims often happen to be problematic. So, if your condo has been damaged in a fire incident, a flood, or even a tornado – the case is considered more complex. Another form of problematic claims is related to scenarios in which it is hard to deduct where the fault came from exactly.Â
In case you find yourself in a similar situation, the probability is high that you need help from an experienced lawyer. Lawyers advise that in such cases, you should seek legal help before even turning to an insurance company. There’s no reason for you not to do so as consultations like these are in most cases free. So, while there are virtually no downsides, there are plenty of benefits. Your lawyer can help you prepare a claim that represents your case in the best light. This lowers the probability of your claim getting denied significantly. But, what if you already got your claim denied before contacting a lawyer?
Was your claim denied? Is there a way in which a lawyer can help
Denied insurance claims are quite problematic for a couple of reasons. There is a certain agreement among lawyers about such scenarios. They say that the probability of an insurance company changing its stance on your claim is quite low after the claim denial. The only way in which your insurance company might refute the denied claim is if there’s new convincing evidence. So, how can a lawyer help you if you get denied?
Well, the situation may seem dire, but there are things that your lawyer can do to help. They can help you reorganize your evidence more convincingly. A good attorney understands how insurance companies work and can understand your claim in more detail. If there is any chance of getting your insurance company to reverse its position, the probability is high that your lawyer can help you.Â
Ultimately, presentation is extremely important when it comes to such claims. If an insurance company deems your claim badly presented, the probability is high that they are going to deny it. The chance of that happening lowers significantly when there is a lawyer involved.
How does hiring a lawyer boost your chances?
It is without a doubt that hiring a lawyer boosts the probability of you getting reimbursed. We have touched on this briefly in the previous text, but let’s talk about it in more detail.Â
The first thing that your attorney is going to do is to determine whether your claim is worth pursuing. How this is done is by evaluation of the case. Your attorney is going to ask you questions relevant to your case to do so. If your attorney is a good one, the probability is high that their evaluation will be an accurate one. If they give you a green light, you can start constructing your claim together.
Now, constructing a claim and presenting it is not the only helpful aspect of having a lawyer. Another important aspect lies in the way in which people without an attorney are being perceived. Unfortunately, a lot of insurance companies are very much so aware of the liabilities of unrepresented individuals. More often than not, it just so happens that insurance companies make a really low offer. People without a lawyer tend to fall for the bait and just take anything that they have been offered. If you have good representation, you will be able to understand how much your claim is worth.
Ultimately, the key takeaway here is that determining liability and responsibility in a condo complex isn’t all that straightforward. After reading this article, you are equipped to tackle any insurance claim issue that you may encounter. Be vigilant, do your research, and good luck!
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