A standard homeowner’s policy typically offers protection against a range of potential risks and damages to a property. Commonly covered perils include fire, lightning, windstorms, hail, explosions, and theft. Some policies also provide coverage for damages resulting from vandalism, riots, aircraft, and vehicles unintentionally causing harm to the property.
Additionally, homeowner’s insurance might cover damage from internal incidents such as bursting of pipes or overflow of water from plumbing. Most standard policies exclude certain types of damages, such as those resulting from floods, earthquakes, or routine wear and tear. Given the variations and specifics of individual insurance contracts, it’s always advisable for homeowners to thoroughly review their policy or consult with a professional to understand the full extent of their coverage.

A deductible is the amount a policyholder must pay out-of-pocket before their insurance coverage kicks in and covers the remainder of the costs for a claim. It is essentially a form of cost-sharing between the insured and the insurance company. Deductibles can be structured as a specific dollar amount or a percentage of the total claim amount.

For example, if a homeowner has a $1,000 deductible and incurs $5,000 in damages, the policyholder will pay the first $1,000 and the insurance company will cover the remaining $4,000.

Insurance companies may deny claims for various reasons, including perceived discrepancies in your claim, policy exclusions, or lapses in your insurance coverage. You should obtain a written explanation for the denial from the insurance company, which may provide some clarity on their specific reason(s) for the decision. Armed with this information, review your insurance policy in detail to understand if the denial aligns with the policy’s terms.

If you believe the claim was wrongly denied or if the language in the policy is ambiguous, you may need to consult with a lawyer. An experienced homeowner’s insurance claim attorney can guide you in understanding your rights, potentially challenging the denial, and navigating the appeal process. Your attorney can help to gather additional evidence and negotiate with the insurance company to seek a favorable resolution.

Remember, a denial isn’t the end of the road. With the right approach and support, we can advocate for a fair review and potential compensation on your behalf.