Many people will submit insurance claims for losses related to the California wildfires, only to have their claims denied or delayed. Denying and delaying payments are common tactics used by insurance companies to minimize their costs. Many people in areas of California, especially in Los Angeles County, lost everything. Victims are counting on insurance companies to properly and efficiently pay claims.
Learn about why insurance companies deny and delay natural disaster claims, common tactics they use, and what you can do to maximize your compensation after these devastating wildfires.
About Denied California Wildfire Insurance Claims:
California Wildfires and Your Insurance Policy
Are Insurance Companies Denying California Wildfire Claims?
How Do Insurance Carriers Get Away With Claim Denials?
Ways Insurance Companies Avoid Paying Out Claims
Other Ways to Recover Compensation From the California Wildfires
Get a Free Case Review for Your Wildfire Insurance Claim
Contact a California Wildfire Insurance Claim Attorney Today
California Wildfires and Your Insurance Policy
If a person was affected by the recent wildfires in California, understanding their specific insurance policy is crucial. People should review their full policy information to determine what coverage could be included and what might be excluded. While some policies might cover fire damage, living expenses, and personal property replacement, others may not. Filing a claim for damages not included in your policy might hurt your chances of receiving compensation. Despite the limitations of an insurance policy, there are additional steps individuals can take to maximize the possibility of receiving adequate compensation for wildfire claims:
- Document your losses – Take note of all damages, track all expenses following the wildfire, and document estimates for replacement costs.
- Do not wait to file a claim – Filing a claim as soon as you are able to is crucial to the insurance process and decreases the chances of delays or denials.
- Submit thorough documentation – The more evidence submitted to your insurance carrier, the better chance you have of adequate compensation.
- Take detailed notes on all steps taken- Document all conversations you had with your insurance provider throughout the process. Make sure to take down notes, dates, and phone numbers. Get as much in writing as possible and preserve all written communications.
How King Law Can Help Navigate Your Insurance Claim Process
The attorneys at Robert King Law Firm, alongside a team of legal professionals, are able to provide comprehensive support to wildfire victims. We can help you understand the details of your insurance policies, assist in filing a claim, help gather evidence, and communicate with providers. If necessary, the legal partners at Robert King Law Firm can help negotiate settlements and/or denials, and maximize appropriate compensation for all affected individuals.
Are Insurance Companies Denying California Wildfire Claims?
In Los Angeles County, California, insurance companies actively deny claims for wildfire victims and limit payouts on damaged properties. For example, if your property was not damaged by fire but smoke damage may have been the primary issue, many insurance policies should cover specific losses. However, insurance companies have become bold in denying claims for partial damage. Partial damage can include smoke and water damage. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the insurance claims process and help maximize payouts. A lawyer will answer your questions and work to restore your financial position.
Why Do Insurance Carriers Deny Wildfire Claims?
Private insurers are for-profit companies; their goal is to make money. Insurance companies often look for ways to deny claims. They may cite things like incomplete documentation, late payments, not filing a claim on time, unapproved repairs, and improper application of exclusion clauses.
Additionally, when insurance providers see that their clients may be in high-risk areas or that claims are growing during the fire season, many will start canceling policies or reducing coverage options. This is to prevent them from having to pay their policyholders when they are in time of need.
How Do Insurance Carriers Get Away With Claim Denials?
Policyholders across California have been in standoffs with insurance companies following this life-changing event. Claims of exclusions, technical difficulties, or insufficient evidence have been made as to why payments have not been made. Key warning signs that show an insurer may be trying to either deny or delay your claim may include cryptic language like “act of God,” “policy exclusions,” and “lack of proper maintenance.” Some insurers may even downplay injuries or events, saying that these were pre-existing. These practices can be a breach of trust and are used to discourage victims and downgrade payouts. Speaking with an experienced attorney to assist you when properly battling these private companies is crucial.
Many people question how insurance companies can legally avoid paying claims after catastrophic events. Common strategies insurance companies use to deny claims include:
- Using complex and confusing policy language
- Not filing a claim by the filing deadline
- Delaying the claims process until people give up
- Citing a lack of proper documentation
- Accusing the claimant of fraud
- Citing the claimant for failing to maintain their property
- Unfair application of exclusion clauses
Ways Insurance Companies Avoid Paying Out Claims
Insurance companies have tactics to avoid paying out what their policyholders deserve. This can include bad faith claims or very low settlement offers. Knowing what to expect is your best chance of receiving the proper recovery.
Some tactics insurance companies use to avoid paying or paying the full value of claims include:
- Delays in processing claims
- Complete rejection of coverage
- Offering a much lower amount to settle a claim than what it is truly worth
- Reducing what properties are valued at
- Saying they are not responsible for Acts of God
- Take advantage of biased third parties
- Claim there is insufficient proof or evidence of the damage
- Not acknowledging the full extent of the property damage or medical injuries
What Are My Legal Options?
If your insurance claim has been denied, delayed, or undervalued, promptly contact an experienced attorney. We can help you explore your options for filing a lawsuit related to the California and Los Angeles area wildfires. Insurance companies can act in bad faith by lowering settlement amounts or delaying the process altogether. We can help you fully understand what your legal rights are and what the next steps may be for your specific circumstance.
Other Ways to Recover Compensation From the California Wildfires
Insurance companies can give you the runaround, but they may not be your only source of compensation. Victims of the fire have started filing lawsuits against water and electric companies. One lawsuit claims that the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power had an empty reservoir when the fire broke out, impacting the water available for firefighters to extinguish the flames. Other lawsuits allege that improperly maintained and Southern California Edison may be responsible for starting some of the fires. We may be able to help you file a lawsuit against these companies for their damages.
There are also resources provided by the government that may be able to help. The Small Business Administration is making loans to people whose houses were in a presidentially declared disaster area. Other services include funds for food, unemployment assistance, and help with bills.
Our legal partners at King Law Firm are ready to fight for the victims who have been through the devastating effects of the fire. Our attorneys want you to be fully knowledgeable about what to expect, and we will be in this process with you. Taking action sooner rather than later will benefit you so we can swiftly handle denied or underpaid claims. You deserve to know your rights and get the compensation you deserve. Please contact our office as soon as possible so we can assist you through this convoluted process.
Get a Free Case Review for Your Wildfire Insurance Claim
Our in-house intake team is knowledgeable in all cases we handle and is dedicated to helping you through the initial steps. Our team works directly with our legal partners and will be able to address any questions or concerns you may encounter. We will examine all possible support that may be beneficial to you through this tough time, and guide you through the process.
Contact a California Wildfire Insurance Claim Attorney Today
There are a few ways of reaching out to an attorney. You can fill out an inquiry online or call our office at 585-287-8188. Our intake team will contact you quickly to learn more about your situation and review how we can help.