Homeowner’s insurance, often called property insurance, pays for the repair or rebuilding of a house which is damaged by fire, hail, wind, or sewer backups, just to name a few. However, damage by earth movement, flood, and mold, among other things, are usually not covered unless specifically paid for. You can buy a “rider” which will cover some exclusions. Two of the most frequent reasons homeowner insurance claims are denied are the policy exclusions and disputes over value of property. The homeowners insurance attorney at Stutheit & Gartland, P.C., can help with these and other homeowner claim disputes.
Stutheit & Gartland, P.C. successfully sued insurance agents who neglected to advise their clients that they should buy coverage for building code required upgrades to their homes.
Homeowners are often conflicted between a roofing contractor and an insurance adjuster. Do not sign a roofing contract before you read our blogs about roofing contracts.
You are entitled to prompt assessment and timely benefits when your home is damaged. If you are sitting in a damaged house, waiting for a fair repair offer, it might be time to call your attorney. Section 10-3-1116(1) in the Colorado Revised Statutes provides that an insurance policy beneficiary “whose claim for payment of benefits has been unreasonably delayed or denied may bring an action in a district court to recover reasonable attorney fees and court costs and two times the covered benefit.” An insurer’s delay or denial was unreasonable if the insurer delayed or denied authorizing payment of a covered benefit without a reasonable basis for that action.
A homeowner’s policy also pays for replacement of the personal items inside your home if they are damaged by the same causes that damage the house, or if they are stolen. Do not throw away damaged furniture, clothing, etc. without first making a photo record. Do not submit to an investigation, or interview, under oath (examination under oath) without first consulting your attorney.
Our homeowners insurance attorney will contact your insurance company on your behalf, demanding to know why the matter has not been settled. We can hold the company legally accountable for the denial and free you to focus on moving forward with life.