Homeowners Insurance Claims Lawyer in Little Rock

Homeowners insurance is essential for anyone who owns a home. This insurance is required by mortgage lenders, providing protection should a major disaster strike—and peace of mind for the homeowner.

Navigating Property Damage Claims with Expert Legal Support

However, if the time comes when you need to file a claim for property damage, the process may be more complex and time-consuming than you anticipated. It may be challenging to reach an agreement with the insurance company regarding the payout. When filing or collecting from a claim becomes complicated, call an experienced homeowners insurance claims attorney in Little Rock or Fayetteville.

What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover?

Coverage for homeowners can vary from one policy to another. The typical homeowner's insurance policy covers a range of possible events, including the following:

Fire and Smoke Damage

A basic homeowners policy covers damage to your property from fire or smoke, even if the smoke comes from a neighbor’s fire.

Personal Liability

Homeowners insurance covers injury or property damage to others caused by policyholders, their family members, and their pets.

Other Incidents

According to III, in addition to the above perils, basic homeowners policies cover explosions, damage caused by aircraft or vehicles, volcanic eruptions, and riot or civil commotion.

Vandalism and Theft

Standard homeowners insurance protects homeowners against theft, vandalism, and malicious mischief.

Natural Disasters

The standard homeowners policy covers a wide range of natural disasters, as stated by the Insurance Information Institute (III). Covered perils typically include windstorms, hail, tornadoes, lightning, and other weather-related events, such as freezing of plumbing, air conditioning, sprinkler systems, and household appliances.

What Is Not Covered by Homeowners Insurance?

Because insurance companies are in business for profit, standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover certain disasters. These include earthquakes, floods, sewer backups, and damage due to lack of maintenance. A complete list of excluded perils can be found in every policy.

What Challenges Do Homeowners Face with Insurance Claims?

It should be straightforward. Homeowners pay premiums to insurance companies in exchange for coverage. In practice, getting fair compensation in an insurance claim is not always that simple. Homeowners may encounter a variety of challenges:

Complex Paperwork

The burden of proof is on homeowners to provide insurance companies with detailed documentation of their damages and losses. Filing a claim can be a tedious and time-consuming process.

Delayed Payments

Insurance companies may take a long time to process a homeowners insurance claim, leaving the policyholder in a difficult financial situation.

Denial of Claims

Homeowners’ insurance claims are regularly denied. A claim may be denied for legitimate reasons, in error, on a technicality, for insufficient evidence, or for other reasons unknown to the policyholder. When a claims adjuster cannot be persuaded to reverse a denial of a valid claim, it may be necessary to file a formal appeal.

Underpayment

Insurance adjusters investigate and evaluate claims on behalf of insurance companies. Their job is to verify the claim is valid, assess the damages, and determine the payout based on the terms and conditions of the policy. They may undervalue damages or request unnecessary documentation to minimize payouts.

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Why Choose McMath Woods?

Our team of seasoned trial lawyers at McMath Woods are dedicated advocates for Little Rock homeowners facing challenges with insurance claims. We can review your policy, help you prepare the required documentation, negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, and take legal action to protect your rights if necessary. Insurance providers can be held accountable in civil court if operating in bad faith. At McMath Woods, we are very familiar with how to resolve these cases in favor of the homeowner. Call our office for a free consultation if you have trouble collecting payment on a homeowners insurance claim.