Few incidents in a person’s life can have as profound an effect as a house fire. Not only may a person’s home be destroyed, but all of their personal possessions may be lost. In some particularly harrowing cases, people are fortunate to escape with their lives.
As an attempt to mitigate the potential losses after a fire, many homeowners choose to purchase fire insurance in addition to any homeowner’s insurance that they already have. These policies are specifically tailored to the homeowner’s needs and can cover anything from the cost to replace personal property to the entire value of the home.
Unfortunately, denials of these claims are all too common. Insurance companies will often find any excuse to deny a claim, even if the policyholder has been paying their premiums. However, a proficient insurance denial attorney can provide you with the help you need. If you have had your fire insurance claim dismissed or are offered less than your policy allows, a Los Angeles fire insurance claims denial lawyer can examine the reasons for the denial and discuss future legal options.
Common Reasons for Denials
Insurance policies are very detail-oriented. For optional coverage policies such as fire insurance, it is especially important for policyholders to understand what protection they are purchasing.
The most common justification for denial is that the source of the fire was simply not covered by the policy. To that end, a proper policy will explain exactly which sources of fire are covered. Common sources of fire include:
- Electrical accidents
- Cooking accidents
- Lightning
- Habitant error, such as leaving candles unattended or smoking in bed
- Arson
Another common rationale behind a denial is a claim by the insurance company of customer fraud. This can stem from an alleged misstatement made during the application process or a false statement concerning the reason that the fire occurred. Regardless of the specific reason, a statement of denial must name that specific reason as grounds for rejecting the claim. For more information, speak to a legal professional such as a Los Angeles fire insurance claims denial lawyer today.
How to Seek Relief After a Fire Insurance Claim Denial
Any time that an insurance company unjustly refuses to pay for a claim, they are breaching their contract with the insured. This means that the policyholder has the right to take the insurance company to court to demand enforcement of the policy. A Los Angeles fire insurance claims denial lawyer can work with anyone facing a claim denial to determine whether the denial was illegal and, if appropriate, take steps to demand enforcement in California courts.
Contact a Los Angeles Fire Insurance Claims Denial Attorney
Given the devastating effect, a house fire can have on a family, many people purchase fire insurance policies to protect themselves. Unfortunately, their claims may be denied by the insurance companies for a variety of reasons, not all of which are legitimate or legal.
If you receive a fire insurance claim denial in bad faith, you have the right to demand enforcement in California courts. A Los Angeles fire insurance claims denial lawyer can work with you to examine the terms of your policy and choose the legal path that gives you the best chance of a successful outcome. Make an appointment today to meet with an attorney and discuss your case.
