Natural disasters like hailstorms, wildfires, and floods can leave Denver homeowners facing costly repairs. When insurance companies deny or undervalue claims, you may struggle to recover what you're owed. A skilled lawyer can challenge unfair denials, negotiate with insurers, and fight for the compensation you deserve—ensuring your policy protects you when disaster strikes.
Why Insurance Might Deny Your Natural Disaster Insurance Claim in Denver
Insurance companies may deny natural disaster claims for various reasons, some of which may be valid, while others are tactics to limit payouts.
Common examples include the following:
- Insufficient Documentation: Insurers often require extensive proof of damage, including photos, repair estimates, and records of pre-existing conditions. If documentation is lacking or inconsistent, they may deny your claim.
- Policy Exclusions and Limitations: Some natural disasters, such as flooding, may not be covered under a standard homeowner’s policy and require additional coverage.
- Missed Deadlines: Colorado homeowners must file insurance claims within their policy’s specified timeframe. If you fail to meet these deadlines, your insurer could deny coverage, even for legitimate damages.
- Alleged Pre-Existing Damage: Insurance adjusters may argue that the damage existed before the natural disaster occurred, making it unrelated to the claim event. This tactic shifts responsibility away from the insurance provider.
- Underestimation of Damage Costs: Even if your claim is not outright denied, your insurer may offer a lowball settlement, significantly underestimating repair costs. This can leave you with out-of-pocket expenses that should be covered under your policy.
- Bad Faith Insurance Practices: Some insurers may unfairly delay processing claims, deny valid claims without explanation, or refuse to communicate. Colorado law protects homeowners from bad faith insurance practices, and legal action may be necessary in such cases.
If your natural disaster insurance claim has been denied, you don’t have to accept the decision without challenge. A Denver insurance claim lawyer can help you fight back, negotiate a fair settlement, and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact Vargas Gonzalez Delombard today for a consultation.
