Did your insurance company reject your claim?
Have you faced a situation where your insurance claim has been denied? You’re not alone. We understand the frustration and confusion that comes with faithfully paying premiums only to have your rightful claim rejected.
Our Houston-based law firm specializes in insurance disputes, and we fight for the rights of policyholders like you. Our team of experienced lawyers is well-versed in insurance laws and can navigate the legal landscape with ease.
We firmly believe that insurance companies should act in good faith and honor their contractual obligations. If you’ve been unfairly denied coverage, Callender Bowlin can help.
What are the possible reasons for an insurance dispute?
Insurance is an essential part of our lives, offering a sense of security and peace of mind for our health, properties, and businesses. However, it can be frustrating and stressful when your insurance company denies or undervalues your claim.
Unfortunately, it happens more often than we would like to think, and there are several reasons for it. These include disputes over policy interpretation, bad faith practices by insurance companies, delayed processing, underpayment, and undervaluation of claims.
If you find yourself in an insurance dispute, it’s essential to carefully read your policy, gather all relevant documentation, and seek help from a legal professional to ensure you get the fair treatment you deserve.
It’s important to remember that you have the right to advocate for yourself, and you should never be afraid to do so.
What are the steps that I should take when facing an insurance dispute?
If you find yourself facing an insurance dispute, don’t panic. There are several important steps you can take to protect your rights and increase your chances of a favorable outcome.
First, take the time to review your insurance policy in detail. Understanding your coverage and rights is crucial for navigating the complexities of the dispute.
Additionally, keep a record of all communication with the insurance company, including emails, letters, and conversations. This evidence can be invaluable if needed.
Also, be sure to document all damages and losses you incurred as a result of the incident. Promptly report your claim to the insurance company, as timely reporting can prevent potential complications.
Finally, consider seeking legal advice from a reputable insurance law firm. An experienced attorney can guide you through the process, negotiate on your behalf, and fight for your rights.
By following these steps, you can significantly improve your chances of resolving the dispute successfully.
What are the commonly filed insurance claims in Houston?
According to recent data, the U.S. insurance industry’s net premiums written totaled $1.4 trillion, with almost 6,000 insurance companies operating across the country.
With more and more people trusting their hard-earned money and time to these providers, it’s important to understand the commonly filed insurance claims to better prepare and understand your case:
Bad Faith Insurance Claims
When it comes to legal arrangements, the term “bad faith” refers to deceit or fraud. The concept can take on different forms, such as a dishonest belief or intention, an untrustworthy fulfillment of obligations, or an intent to deceive, depending on the situation.
Essentially, it means that one party is not acting in good faith or fairly when it comes to a contract. Now, when it comes to insurance, bad faith insurance is when a provider fails to uphold its duties to its clients.
This can happen in different ways, such as rejecting a valid claim without thoroughly investigating it, delaying payment on a valid claim, offering a low settlement that is not fair, not contacting the policyholder in a timely manner, or canceling the insurance policy without good reason.
It is important to recognize these practices and know your rights as a policyholder. Fortunately, you can also have one of our lawyers on your side so we can assist in resolving your case.
Property Damage Claims
When any damage is caused to either real or personal property, it is referred to as property damage.
This can happen in many ways, which can range from home property damage to a car accident to a chemical spill. So, if you’re a property owner who has suffered any damage, we can assist you.
In fact, the Insurance Information Institute, Inc. released the latest data for homeowners in a comprehensive report and stated:
- About one in 20 insured homes has a claim each year;
- About one in 35 insured homes has a property damage claim related to wind or hail each year;
- About one in 60 insured homes has a property damage claim caused by water damage or freezing each year;
- About one in 385 insured homes has a property damage claim related to fire and lightning;
- About one in 525 insured homes has a property damage claim due to theft each year.
- About one in 1,425 homeowners policies has a liability claim related to the cost of lawsuits for bodily injury or property damage that the policyholder or family members cause to others.
We specialize in property and insurance law and can help you navigate the complicated legal procedures involved in filing an insurance claim, negotiating with insurance adjusters, and even taking legal action if necessary.
First-Party Insurance Claims
According to the latest data from the United States Census Bureau, private health insurance coverage continued to be more prevalent than public coverage, at 66.0% and 35.7% respectively, in 2021.
Health insurance or medical insurance, as well as protection for personal injury under a car insurance policy or coverage for uninsured or underinsured drivers under a car insurance policy, belong to “first-party insurance.”
This type of insurance is specifically designed to cover damages incurred by the policyholder, whether it’s an individual, a business, or a group of people in a certain category.
However, it’s essential to keep in mind that insurance companies are notorious for undervaluing or rejecting first-party insurance claims, which can lead to unexpected financial burdens.
To ensure that you’re getting the coverage you need, it’s crucial to carefully review your policy and consult with a professional.
Hail Damage Claims
The 2022 report from CCC Intelligent Solutions reveals that some states have seen a staggering 24.5% increase in quarterly losses due to hail damage.
This alarming trend is attributed to the growing frequency of extreme weather disruptions. In fact, hail is now responsible for up to 80% of losses from severe convective storms, according to CCC’s findings.
Unfortunately, convective storms, such as tornadoes and thunderstorms, are the most common and destructive natural disasters in the US, causing annual insured losses averaging $17 billion, as per the Insurance Information Institute.
Thus, with the prevalence of these conditions, you would need proper representation to ensure that your hail damage claims would be prioritized.
Fire Damage Claims
According to the Statista Research Department, fires in the United States caused property loss of about $15.95 billion in 2021.
And in Houston alone, there were almost 385,000 fire-related incidents in 2022, according to the city’s Fire Department.
Fire damage can be caused directly by the flames or indirectly by the smoke and other harmful elements produced by the fire.
Causes include negligence, faulty equipment, or catastrophic events like wildfires. The aftermath of fire damage can be distressing, as it can destroy property, cause fatalities, or interrupt business operations.
Fortunately, most homeowners insurance policies provide coverage for fire damage and wildfires, including both fire and smoke damage.
However, if you feel that your fire damage claim was undervalued or wrongly denied, you can seek the help of our attorneys to assist you with your fire damage claims.
Tornado Damage Claims
In Texas, data has shown that in 2022, the state experienced 142 tornadoes, with 106 cases of direct injury and 3 reported fatalities.
Additionally, in that same year, residents also suffered almost $47 million in tornado-related property damages, as reported by El Paso Times.
As for Houston, it has experienced the most number of tornadoes in Texas from 1950 to 2022, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). In fact, the estimated count stands at 246, which is higher than any other city in the state.
It is essential to handle your insurance provider appropriately following a calamity. This step is critical in ensuring that you receive the necessary assistance to get back on your feet.
Knowing how to navigate the process can be overwhelming, but with the right information, you can make the most out of your insurance coverage. You can consult with one of our experts to help with your tornado damage claim.
Water and Flood Damage Claims
Floods are the most common and costly natural disaster in the country. The government said that a single inch of water in an average home could cost more than $26,000 in damage.
According to a Risk Factor report, Texas has almost 1.4 million properties that have a high likelihood of being severely impacted by flooding within the next 30 years.
To put it in perspective, this equates to 18% of all properties in the state. Aside from flooding, water damage can also be from leaky pipes or roof damage in your home or building.
It is crucial to address flood and water damage promptly because it can lead to difficult consequences such as health issues, structural damage, mold growth, and electrical problems. Contact our team for any water and flood damage claim.
Hurricane Damage Claims
“No place is safe from flooding. If it can rain, it can flood. And nowhere is that truer than Texas,” said the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in a press release.
The state is prone to Gulf Coast hurricanes and flash floods. Even major cities are not spared from these natural calamities.
It is important to note that the risk of flooding can change considerably over time due to various factors like drought and urban development.
Hence, it is not safe to assume that your area won’t get flooded just because it hasn’t in the past. In fact, 26% of flood insurance claims nationwide come from properties outside high-risk zones, the department said.
To ensure that you and your insured properties are protected, it is best to stay informed, take necessary precautions and consult with a trusted lawyer to file your hurricane damage claim.
Business Interruption Claims
It’s important for every business to be aware of the potential risks of business interruption. This could happen due to unexpected events such as fires, theft, or natural disasters.
For example, the state’s insurance department revealed that Texas’ business interruption claims from the severe and prolonged winter storm “Uri” in 2021 rose to almost 6,000 cases, as reported by Insurance Journal.
The report showed business owners suffered a total of $309.5 million in incurred losses, but only $41.4 million in total paid losses. It also said that merely 18.7% were closed cases with payment.
So, if your business is ever affected by any calamity or unforeseen event, our Houston business interruption attorneys are here to help.
From submitting your claim to taking legal action against your insurance provider, we offer a wide range of services to assist you in getting back on track.
Hire An Experienced Houston Insurance Dispute Lawyer
At Callender Bowlin, we’ll review your policy, assess your situation, and provide you with honest and practical legal advice.
Our goal is to level the playing field and fight for the compensation you deserve. You can call us at (713) 300-8700 or reach out through our secure contact form.
Callender Bowlin LLP
4299 San Felipe St # 300
Houston, TX 77027
713-300-8700
