Home insurance is meant to be your safety net—a financial lifeline when disaster strikes. Whether it’s storm damage, fire, theft, or a burst pipe, you expect your insurer to be there when you need them most. Unfortunately, many homeowners find that filing a claim isn’t as simple as it should be. Insurance companies often use a variety of tactics to deny, delay, or undervalue legitimate claims. Understanding these tactics—and how to respond—can make all the difference in getting the coverage you’ve paid for.
- Claiming the Damage Isn’t Covered
One of the most common denial tactics is asserting that the damage falls outside the scope of your policy. This might involve saying the damage was due to wear and tear, poor maintenance, or an uncovered peril like flooding or earth movement.
How to Fight Back:
Carefully review your policy and consult a public adjuster or attorney if the language is unclear. Keep records of home maintenance, inspections, and repairs to demonstrate that the damage wasn’t due to neglect. If the denial still doesn’t add up, consider appealing or pursuing legal action.
- Blaming Pre-Existing Conditions
Insurers may argue that the damage existed before your policy went into effect, even if that’s not the case. This tactic shifts the burden onto you to prove otherwise.
How to Fight Back:
Maintain a clear record of your home’s condition over time. Take photos after major upgrades, maintenance work, or renovations. If damage is sudden—such as from a windstorm—document the incident and timing with photos, videos, and repair estimates.
- Lowballing the Payout
Rather than outright denying a claim, some insurers offer a settlement that falls far short of the actual cost to repair or replace the damage. This is especially common after major disasters when insurers face a high volume of claims.
How to Fight Back:
Get multiple repair estimates from reputable contractors and compare them to the insurer’s offer. If there’s a significant discrepancy, dispute the estimate. You can also hire an independent appraiser or public adjuster to conduct a fair assessment.
- Delaying the Claims Process
Another common tactic is slow-walking the claims process in the hopes that homeowners will give up, accept a low offer, or miss a deadline. This can include excessive paperwork requests, repeat inspections, or unreturned calls and emails.
How to Fight Back:
Stay organized and persistent. Keep a written log of all communication with your insurer, including dates, times, and the names of representatives. Follow up in writing and meet all deadlines. If the delay becomes unreasonable, file a complaint with your state’s insurance regulator.
- Disputing the Cause of Damage
Insurers sometimes attempt to reinterpret the cause of damage to shift liability. For example, they may say that water damage was due to poor maintenance rather than a burst pipe, or that fire damage was caused by homeowner negligence.
How to Fight Back:
Obtain expert opinions—such as from licensed contractors, engineers, or fire investigators—to document the true cause of damage. These reports can be crucial in proving your claim is valid and pushing back against unfair denials.
- Citing Policy Exclusions Without Explanation
Sometimes, insurers deny claims by referencing policy exclusions without providing detailed explanations or pointing to the specific policy language that applies. This, unfortunately, is a frustrating way to deny home insurance claims.
How to Fight Back:
Demand specifics. Ask your insurer to provide a written explanation citing the exact language in your policy that supports the denial. Then, review that language carefully, preferably with legal counsel or an insurance expert, before deciding your next steps.
Final Thoughts
Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and lawyers working to protect their bottom line. As a homeowner, you deserve a fair evaluation of your claim—not red tape and runarounds. If you feel your home insurance claim was wrongfully denied, underpaid, or delayed, don’t hesitate to get help. An experienced insurance attorney or public adjuster can help level the playing field and ensure your rights are protected.
Remember: You paid for coverage. You’re entitled to use it. Don’t let your insurer make you think otherwise. If you’re dealing with a company that’s trying to deny home insurance claims, talk to us today.
