Tag: Homeowner’s insurance

Homeowners Insurance

Homeowners Insurance: Understand What Weather Events Are Covered

Posted by Jeffrey Bolender on with 0 Comment

While it is important to read the fine print in all your insurance policies, this is especially true with protection for your home. There can be many exclusions, and it is important to understand all of them, so you know what to expect in terms of coverage if there is a disaster, or damage to the home. Homeowners insurance can be complicated, just like any other policy, and there may be basic exclusions that surprise you; for example, you may not be covered if there is a landslide or an earthquake.

The homeowner’s policy is usually meant to cover the basics in case of an accident, disaster, or theft in your home. Policyholders seek coverage for the structure of their homes to be able to repair damage or rebuild if necessary, buy new belongings or have some things repaired, pay claims in the event they are sued for liability, and in some cases, have funding for living expenses while they cannot live in their home.

California is of course famous for earthquakes, but in many cases, they are not covered in the most basic of policies. Considering that there are thousands of earthquakes in California each year, this is a major consideration for most potential policyholders. Related mudslides and landslides are a worry too, although they are also often caused by rain. Wind and hail may be excluded in some areas too, so do not assume you are covered—and especially not for flood insurance, which may only be available to you through the government. Other water damage, hurricane damage, mold growth, and issues from sewers or septic backing up may not be covered at all either.

Just because something is covered in a standard policy, however, doesn’t mean you can’t purchase extra coverage quite easily. When you purchase insurance, your agent should explain everything thoroughly, and discuss the need for added riders or necessary upgrades. When shopping for insurance, don’t feel compelled to go with the first company or price, but seek out multiple quotes. Also make sure that you are buying enough insurance so that in the case of serious damages you are not left paying for a large portion of damages.

If a dispute over a claim cannot be easily resolved through a call or written communication, our attorneys will advocate on behalf of policyholders through litigation, arbitration, or non-binding mediation. Our attorneys are experienced in representing clients in state and federal courts, at both the trial and appellate level. Call us at 310-320-0725 now or submit an easy consultation request online. We are here to help!

homeowners

Suspicions of Arson Can Make Homeowners Claims Tricky

Posted by Jeffrey Bolender on with 0 Comment

Over our lifetimes, most of us will own more than one insurance policy, and we may have multiple lines of coverage in force over the long term—whether for our cars, businesses, health and life needs, homeowners, or more. And while purchasing coverage may be simple for some lines of insurance, along with filing claims that are cleared up quickly, other policies may present complications that are not atypical but can leave policyholders feeling frustrated, unsettled, and even unfairly targeted.

If you have been in an accident or experienced damage to property, even if you were not seriously injured you may have been left feeling extremely shaken. And while insurance adjusters may seem friendly enough at first, do not be misled by an affable demeanor as they work to extract information that could be used against you later; in fact, you may want to consult with an attorney as soon as possible, and especially if the claim you are dealing with was caused by negligence on the part of someone else.

Dealing with a fire in your home is usually a very stressful situation, whether moderate or catastrophic. This could have been caused due to a variety of different reasons, to include a construction defect such as a faulty electrical or mechanical system, issues with lighting, the kitchen, furnace, or more. Arson may be the last thing from your mind—but first on the insurer’s. Accusing someone or even just insinuating they may have been responsible for a fire is a grave matter as it is considered a serious and malicious criminal act; unfortunately, if there was no solid explanation found by the fire department, delaying due to an arson investigation could make it much easier for the insurer to avoid paying out a substantial claim—or at least to hold out as long as possible.

Attempting to deny your claim when there are no grounds to prove arson could be a sign of bad faith. If you have any type of claim that is being delayed for unreasonable or undisclosed reasons, or if you or witnesses are being intimidated, or if there is an outright denial without validity, this is not your fault but more likely an angle being used by the insurer to keep their money in the bank earning interest as long as possible or to try and get out of paying the claim completely.

If you need help reviewing your insurance policy, or if you suspect your insurance company may be denying your claim in bad faith, contact the attorneys at the Bolender Law Firm.  If a dispute over a claim cannot be easily resolved through a call or written communication, our attorneys will advocate on behalf of policyholders through litigation, arbitration, or non-binding mediation. Our attorneys are experienced in representing clients in state and federal courts, at both the trial and appellate level. Call us at 310-320-0725 now or submit an easy consultation request online. We are here to help!

homeowners insurance

Homeowners Insurance Policy: What You May Not Be Aware of Until It’s Too Late

Posted by rainmakereditor on with 0 Comment

While there are many different forms of insurance most of us must explore in our lifetimes, homeowner’s is one of the most important. Whether you are a consumer who plans to purchase one home and live there forever—or the type who enjoys buying and selling or remodeling and flipping—the investment is substantial. Loss of a home, or even moderate property damage, could cause serious stress not only to your living arrangements, but also your finances; in fact, without the correct coverage, you could find yourself unable to rebuild in the case of a fire or other catastrophe.

All insurance you own is important, and reading the fine print is vital in each case. With homeowner’s insurance though, failing to understand your coverage could leave you unprotected, quite literally. Depending on your policy, issues such as fire, windstorms, or even damage from something like a volcano may or may not be covered. When you are purchasing your policy, speak to your insurance agent about your needs, and especially depending on your geographical area (is it prone to earthquakes or landslides?).

In most cases for homeowner’s insurance, an extensive discussion of what is excluded is necessary too; for instance, consider flood insurance. It is usually not available under your typical homeowner’s insurance, but rather through separate government programs. Flood damage could indeed be catastrophic to your home, so if you are in an area that is vulnerable, speak to your agent about how to get coverage. It may also be required by your lender.

The homeowner’s policy is essentially a strict legal contract that you should understand initially, as well as reviewing and updating each year. Be clear on options like whether you are insuring for replacement value or cash value when it comes to property damage, as well as how the structure and surrounding area should be maintained after a problem has occurred. You could be held responsible or a claim could be delayed or denied if the home was not properly cared for after being made vulnerable from a fire or storm, or vandalism, or more.

If you suspect an insurer is delaying payments on a claim or denying them without a valid reason, contact the Bolender Law Firm. We will advocate on behalf of policyholders through litigation, arbitration, or non-binding mediation. Our attorneys are experienced in representing clients in state and federal courts, at both the trial and appellate level. Call us at 310-320-0725 now or submit an easy consultation request online. We are here to help!