Property damage can be a stressful situation for any homeowner or commercial building owner, and dealing with insurance claims can make it even worse. Waiting for the insurance claim process to complete can be a frustrating and time-consuming affair.
Here are 3 ways to tell if your insurance company is delaying your claim payout.
Delays in Communication
Communication is key when it comes to the insurance claim process. Insurance companies are obligated to communicate with their clients, but if there are delays in communication, this can indicate that the claim process is taking longer than necessary. If your insurance company is taking longer than usual to respond to your emails and phone calls, then it might be time to follow up with them. You can also request a point of contact to keep you updated on the progress of your claim.
Not many policyholders realize this, but insurance companies have deadlines they are supposed to follow when handling your claim. They need to communicate with the policyholder regarding certain decisions and information outlined in the insurance policy. When filing a claim, make yourself familiar with the timelines so that you can reference for delays. The Texas Insurance Code contains these timelines.
Multiple Inspections
Insurance companies may require one or more inspections to assess the damage and determine the amount of compensation. However, multiple inspections can be an indication that the claim process is taking longer than it should. If your insurance company is scheduling multiple inspections, it is important to find out why. It could be that they need more information or that they are trying to find a way to reduce the amount of compensation. . . or they are just hoping you you get so frustrated with the process that you will be happy to accept anything and move on.
Long Processing Time
The time it takes for an insurance company to process a claim can vary depending on the severity of the damage and the complexity of the claim. However, if you have been waiting for more than one month for your insurance company to process your homeowners claim, then it is likely taking longer than it should. Commercial claims may take a little longer but anything after 3 months should be a red flag. They should be communicating with you if they need more time. While it is important to be patient, it is also important to follow up with your insurance company to find out why there is a delay.
What to do if your claim is being delayed
The insurance claim process can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to property damage. If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, it is important to follow up with your insurance company to find out why the claim process is taking longer than it should.
You have the right to speak to an attorney about your claim, too! Property damage lawyers can represent your claim and ensure you are receiving the attention your claim needs as outlined by your policy.
At Flores & Pelaez-Prada we have seen some clients wait 6 months to well over a year to reach out to us when the laws in Texas require anywhere from 15 days to 60 days for a claims decision to be made assuming the insurance company has everything they need to make a decision. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU COOPERATE WITH YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY DURING THE CLAIMS PROCESS SO THAT YOU ARE NOT THE REASON FOR THE DELAY.
We know how frustrating it is to wait for the insurance company when you are doing everything in your power to get them the information and access they need to your property during the claims process.
If you feel your claim is being delayed, contact us today!
877-890-6372 or info@stormlex.com
