Helping You Read Between the Lines
When faced with a difficult insurance dispute, the first and most important step is to clearly understand your insurance policy. In addition to being a time-consuming task, these are complex documents that can leave many people confused about exactly what their coverage entails and what is required of them as the insured.
At The Haynes Law Firm, located in Brandon, Florida, I have represented numerous clients in insurance disputes throughout the Central Florida Gulf Coast area. I have focused on insurance law ever since being admitted to practice in 1998. I make it a point to work with my clients and help educate them about the process before filing an insurance claim or lawsuit.
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If you need help understanding the complexities of your insurance policy, please call or send me an e-mail today.
I also offer a free review of your insurance application in order to avoid agent misrepresentation and ensure that you obtain the right insurance coverage.
Homeowners Loss: Sections of Your Insurance Policy that Apply to You
After you suffered property damage or loss, it is important to understand these sections of your insurance policy.
- Declaration Page — explains how much coverage you have, the coverage you can claim, your policy number, the policy period, premiums and additional information. Under "policy coverages," Coverage A stands for the amount the building is insured for, Coverage B is the coverage for other structures like sheds or fences, Coverage C is coverage for your personal belongings and Coverage D is the coverage you have available to move out and stay somewhere else while repairs are being performed.
- Section I/Conditions or Duties After Loss — lists what you need to do to before and after submitting an insurance claim to avoid your claim being denied. These typically include giving prompt notice of the loss, notifying the police in case of theft, protecting the property from further damage, cooperating during the investigation of the claim, preparing an inventory of damaged personal property, providing records and documents the insurance company requests, submitting to an examination under oath and completing a proof of loss form. Please note that the above are typical duties after loss but not all insurance policies are the same. You should read your specific policy to determine what your duties may be. Failure to fully comply with the duties listed in your policy or misrepresenting facts during the submission of your claim could result in your claim being denied even if you have a valid claim. Therefore, always seek advise to ensure your are fully complying especially if your insurance company demands an examination under oath.
- Section I/Perils Insured Against — States what events are covered by your insurance policy.
- Section I/Exclusions - states what events are not covered by your insurance policy.
- Endorsements — usually located at the rear of the policy which lists any changes or modifications to your specific policy which could include types of coverage or amounts of insurance.
- Appraisal Process — a clause in your insurance policy providing for an alternative means to resolve an insurance dispute, which is similar to arbitration, and consists of a panel who determines the amount you should be paid for your insurance claim. Some policies are now removing this provision from renewed or new policies issued. Therefore, it is important to check your specific policy for this provision.
If you are involved in an insurance claim and need help understanding your insurance policy and its coverage, I am an attorney who will protect your rights and stand up for you.
Speak with a Lawyer
Contact me today for a free initial consultation so we can work to obtain the compensation you deserve for your property damage or loss.
