Texas Fire Damage Claim Attorneys

Assisting Homeowners With Fire Damage Insurance Claims

Thousands of house fires happen across Texas yearly, causing millions of dollars in property damage and forever changing homeowners’ lives. A house fire is devastating, and unfortunately, its impact is often felt for weeks or months after the fire. You may be forced to find somewhere else to live, and even if your home can be repaired, this process can be lengthy, especially if the insurance company tries to deny, delay, or undervalue your claim. Fire damage insurance claims can help you get back on your feet, repair your home, and replace possessions, but an issue with the insurance company can make this process stressful.

At Stormlex Law Group, our team of attorneys has a deep understanding of the Texas insurance laws and the standards insurance companies are held to. If your property damage claim was denied after a fire or the insurance company keeps delaying your payout, call our office at[company-phone] to speak to a fire insurance claim attorney who can help.

Do Standard Homeowners Insurance Policies Cover Fire Damage?

A standard homeowners insurance policy generally covers property damage from fires, but it’s always important to check your specific documents. The main dwelling and other attached spaces, such as a garage or shed, are covered in most cases. However, other living spaces, such as a tiny home in the backyard, may require additional coverage. Coverage limits for fire damage policies vary, so it’s essential to be aware of how much coverage you have.

While the fire can cause tremendous damage, the smoke damage is often the most devastating part of the fire, especially if the blaze could be put out before it engulfed the home. Smoke damage can ruin furniture, clothing, and other personal items, and clean-up and remediation can be extensive. The good news is that smoke and soot damage are generally included in the policy.

Many insurance policies also cover additional living expenses while you wait for repairs, such as paying for a hotel or other short-term rental and meals. Depending on how long the repairs take, this can add up to thousands of dollars, and it’s a benefit many property owners aren’t aware is included in their policy.

How Do You Submit a Property Damage Claim for a Fire?

The first step in submitting a property damage claim after a fire is to contact your insurance company and let them know what has happened. The fire department investigation can take a few days or weeks to finalize, but letting your insurance company know as soon as possible can start the process so your claim can be processed as quickly as possible. Take photos or videos of the damage when it’s safe to document the losses before anything else happens, such as a storm that could cause further damage.

When you submit your claim, you will be able to include this documentation as well as any corroborating information, such as the report from the fire department. If you had to spend any money on emergency repairs to prevent further damage, such as boarding up broken windows, these receipts can be included as well.

The claims process can be lengthy, and filing out paperwork and trying to determine the fair value of your lost possessions can be extremely stressful after you’ve gone through a disaster. When you work with an attorney, they can handle much of this for you, including communicating with the insurance companies on your behalf and determining what constitutes reasonable documentation under your policy terms.

What Are the Most Common Issues With Fire Insurance Claims?

Dealing with insurance companies is no one’s idea of a good time, especially after you’ve had the trauma of a house fire. However, being aware of the common issues that come up with the claims process can help you be prepared for requests and potentially increase the chance of your claim being approved.

One of the most common mistakes that can happen with fire insurance claims is the adjuster undervaluing the claim. It can be challenging to prove the value of individual possessions, such as expensive handbags or tools, that may be damaged beyond recognition. In some cases, the adjuster may also claim that the assets have massively depreciated below their market value. When this happens, an attorney can help you understand what documentation you are required to provide and negotiate a better settlement for you.

Clerical errors and lost paperwork can also happen with property insurance claims. While adjusters are human and make mistakes, repeated requests for additional information or documents that get lost multiple times may signal a bigger problem. If an insurance company is inappropriately using delay tactics, it could be considered a bad-faith action, and you may have grounds for a lawsuit.

Another common problem property owners may face is a denied fire damage claim. If you receive a notice that your claim has been rejected, don’t panic. Insurance companies often initially deny claims for frivolous reasons to try to keep from having to pay. However, you can and should challenge the denial with the assistance of an attorney. Many initially denied claims are overturned when the property owner appeals.

How Long Does It Take for a Fire Damage Claim to Be Resolved?

When your home and possessions have been damaged by a fire, you want to move on with repairs and replacements immediately. But you’ll need to wait for the insurance claim to be resolved. Under ideal circumstances, an insurance claim should be approved or denied and paid out within 60 days of the initial claim. The insurance company has 15 days to start this investigation once it receives the claim and another 15 days from when it gets all of the claimed documentation to approve or deny. In some situations, the insurance company may be granted an extension if there are exigent circumstances.

Because the claims process can take a few months, it’s essential to file the claim as soon as possible to expedite the process. Respond quickly to any further requests for information or documentation to avoid delays, and talk with an attorney if you don’t have what the insurance adjuster is requesting or feel that the request is unreasonable.

Once you have filed the claim, keep an eye on the deadlines and when you should expect to receive an acknowledgment. If the insurance company misses a deadline, an attorney can help you write a demand letter to hold them accountable. If the company’s actions constitute an unreasonable delay, an attorney can file a complaint or lawsuit on your behalf to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

What Is the Difference Between Actual Cash Value and Replacement Cost Value?

Depending on your insurance policy, it may pay our actual cash value (ACV) or replacement cost value (RCV) for approved claims. These can result in very different numbers, so it’s important to know what your policy outlines to ensure you’re getting the correct payment. Actual cash value is the replacement cost minus the depreciation value. For example, if you had a roof put on your home 10 years ago, the depreciation of the value would be factored into an ACV reimbursement. Replacement cost value coverage would pay what it would cost to replace the roof today.

Many property owners are surprised to find out that they have less insurance coverage than they thought, if the policy only covers ACV. In some cases, the insurance company may initially pay for the ACV and then pay the balance of the RCV after the property has been fully repaired.

If your fire damage claim is being delayed, denied, or underpaid, and you’re unsure how your coverage terms like actual cash value or replacement cost value are being applied, it may be time to speak with a fire damage claim attorney. An attorney can help clarify how your policy is being interpreted by the insurance company and advocate on your behalf to pursue the full amount you’re entitled to under your coverage.

What Are Your Options If the Insurance Company Denies Your Claim?

If your insurance claim is denied, you have multiple options. You can file an internal appeal to ask the company to review the claim and see if an error was made, or you can file a complaint with the Texas Department of Insurance if you suspect that the company isn’t following the law. As part of your appeal, you can provide additional documentation, such as recent sold prices for comparable furniture or repair estimates from your contractor.

If these strategies don’t resolve the situation, you can file a bad faith or breach of contract claim against the insurance company in court. Talking with an attorney about your options is the first step. They can explain whether you have grounds for either of these suits and what you may be able to recover in damages. Often, Texans are also able to receive additional compensation beyond their initial insurance claim, such as attorney fees or further expenses you incurred due to the insurance company’s failure to pay.

Why Should You Hire Our Texas Fire Damage Lawyers?

An attorney who has experience with fire damage claims is the right choice to represent you when you’re going up against your insurance company. Our team is familiar with Texas insurance law, including how insurance companies are required to handle claims and what deadlines they must meet when processing claims from property owners. If you’re facing unfair denials or unreasonable delay tactics, you need an attorney who can advocate for your rights and help you hold the insurance company accountable for its actions. Whether this includes enforcing your policy coverage, getting an appraisal, or filing a formal complaint, we’re here to help you get what you need — and deserve — after you’ve faced the devastation of a house fire.

If you decide to file a bad faith claim against your insurance provider, our attorneys can help you through the process, potentially negotiating the case to settle out of court. However, we’re also prepared to handle litigation and argue your case before a judge.

Insurance companies have one mission: to save themselves money. Ensure you have the resources and legal representation necessary to fight back. Contact Stormlex Law Group at (877) 890-6372 to learn more about your options and how to deal with insurance companies to improve your chances of a speedy fire damage claim approval.