You’ve probably heard the adage, “Water is life.” But water in the wrong places can cause serious damage. If you insure your home against water damage, you may have peace of mind knowing that in the event of a disaster, the insurance company will come through and provide compensation for the resulting damages.
If disaster strikes, the worst news you want to hear is that the insurance company is not going to approve your claim. If this happens, you might want to explore your legal options, especially if you believe the denial is unjustified. But before figuring out your options, it helps to understand why the insurance company could have denied your claim:
Here are some of the reasons why the insurance company can turn down your claim:
If you fail to file on time
Typically, your insurance contract will indicate the timeframe within which you must bring your claim. That said, per California statute, you have up to three years to file a claim. Additionally, do keep in mind that you will likely need to file a Proof of Loss statement with your insurance company within 60 days from the date of the damage.
The insurance company may decline your claim if you do not file it within the statute of limitations period.
Non-payment of your premiums
Unpaid premiums are one of the main reasons why insurance companies turn down claims. Per your coverage contract, you have a duty to pay your premium on time. If you have any unpaid premiums, be sure to update your account as soon as you can.
Questionable claims
When your home is damaged, you should expect the insurance company to deploy their adjuster to investigate and document your claim. If they find your claim suspicious or questionable, they will definitely launch an investigation whose outcome might lead to the refusal of your claim.
Safeguarding your interests
Water damage can leave you with a huge bill. Learning more about California’s bad faith insurance laws can help you safeguard your rights if you believe the insurance company is unjustifiably denying your water damage claim.