Questions about insurance claims

No. A denial is the insurer's position, not a ruling. Many are reversed or paid in part after a second inspection, a written demand or appraisal.

Yes. Your policy sets dates for reporting damage, for proof of loss and for suing, and the law sets others. Some are short. Call early so we can find them.

Usually. You can often cash a check for the undisputed part and keep working on the rest. Don't sign a release or a final settlement first.

A public adjuster prices your claim and negotiates it for a share. A lawyer can do that and also read the policy against the law, invoke appraisal and file suit. I don't act as a public adjuster.

No. The office represents policyholders only.

Many property policies let either side ask for appraisal when you agree the loss is covered but not on the amount. Each side picks an appraiser, and an umpire settles what they can't agree on. It's faster than court, and it isn't right for every claim.

Most claims are on contingency: no fee unless money is recovered. Under a contingency agreement you may still owe case costs, such as filing fees, engineer inspections and expert reports, whether or not anything is recovered. The written agreement says which.

Disputing a claim isn't a new claim. Whether a company can raise rates or decline to renew is set by your policy and state rules; ask, and I'll tell you what applies to you.

No. Calls, texts and a secure link for papers work from anywhere the office is admitted to practice. Inspections happen at the property.

Nothing. Tell me what happened on the phone. If we go further, I'll send a secure link for the policy and letters.