Homeowners Insurance Claims and Coverage Disputes
Homeowners insurance policies are intended to provide coverage for certain losses to a residence and personal property. Disputes may arise when a homeowner submits a claim and the insurance company denies coverage, delays payment, or issues a payment the homeowner believes does not reflect the scope of the loss.
Burts Law represents homeowners in disputes involving first-party homeowners insurance claims, assisting clients in understanding policy provisions and evaluating options when disagreements with an insurer arise.
Common Types of Homeowners Insurance Claims
Homeowners insurance claims may arise from a wide range of events and conditions. Burts Law represents homeowners in disputes involving claims related to:
- Storm or wind damage
- Fire or smoke damage
- Water damage or plumbing failures
- Theft or vandalism
- Roof damage
- Structural or interior property damage
Coverage depends on the specific policy terms, exclusions, and conditions.
Reasons Homeowners Insurance Claims Are Disputed
Insurance disputes may arise for a variety of reasons, including disagreements about coverage, causation, or valuation. Common issues include:
- Claim denials based on policy exclusions
- Partial or limited payments
- Disputes over the cause of damage
- Disagreements regarding repair scope or cost
- Delays in claim investigation or payment
- Depreciation or valuation disputes
Each dispute is evaluated based on the policy language and facts of the loss.
Homeowners Insurance Coverage Considerations Chart
| Coverage Issue | General Consideration |
| Dwelling Coverage | Applies to damage to the structure of the home |
| Personal Property | Covers certain belongings, subject to limits |
| Exclusions | May limit or eliminate coverage for specific causes |
| Deductibles | Affects the amount paid by the insurer |
| Replacement vs. Actual Cash Value | Impacts how loss amounts are calculated |
Understanding these provisions is often central to evaluating a dispute.
The Homeowners Insurance Claim Process
| Stage | General Description |
| Loss Occurs | Covered event causes damage |
| Claim Filed | Homeowner reports loss to insurer |
| Investigation | Insurer evaluates damage and coverage |
| Coverage Decision | Approval, partial payment, or denial |
| Dispute Review | Homeowner evaluates insurer’s position |
Not every claim follows the same path, and timelines may vary.
Coverage Disputes and Policy Interpretation
Many homeowners insurance disputes involve interpretation of policy terms, including exclusions, endorsements, notice requirements, and proof-of-loss provisions. Reviewing the policy alongside the insurer’s coverage position can help clarify whether a dispute exists and what options may be available.
Valuation and Repair Disagreements
Disputes may also arise over the cost to repair or replace damaged property. Differences between contractor estimates and insurer valuations are common and may involve depreciation, repair methodology, or scope of work.
FAQs: Homeowners Insurance Claims
What should I do if my homeowners insurance claim is denied?
A denial may warrant review of the policy language and the insurer’s stated reasons for denial.
Can an insurance company delay payment on a claim?
Insurers may investigate claims, but delays may raise questions depending on the circumstances.
What if the insurance payment is less than the repair estimate?
Disputes may arise over valuation, depreciation, or scope of repairs.
Does filing a claim increase my insurance rates?
Rate impacts depend on the insurer and policy, and are separate from coverage determinations.
Are all types of damage covered by homeowners insurance?
Coverage depends on the policy terms and applicable exclusions.
How Homeowners Insurance Claims May Intersect With Other Disputes
Homeowners insurance disputes may overlap with coverage disputes, appraisal issues, business interruption concerns for home-based businesses, or allegations of bad faith claim handling. Evaluation often involves reviewing multiple aspects of the policy and claim process.
Contact Burts Law
If you have questions about a homeowners insurance claim or a dispute with your insurance company, contact Burts Law to schedule a consultation to discuss your situation and available options.
