Your first priority is safety. Ensure everyone is safe and take steps to prevent further damage, like turning off water mains or covering a damaged roof. Then, document the damage thoroughly with photos and videos before cleaning up or making any permanent repairs. Finally, contact your insurance company to report the claim as soon as possible.
Practice Areas
Chicago Insurance Claims Attorney
Insurance Claims
If you have an insurance claim related to fire loss, storm loss, or any other kind of property damage, obtaining the compensation to which you are entitled is essential, but the insurance process can be complicated to maneuver on your own. Working with an experienced Chicago insurance claims attorney is the surest way to protect your rights and your claim.Â
Your Insurance Policy
You purchase insurance and pay the premiums in order to protect yourself in the event of property damage. While it’s understandable that you might turn to the insurance company after a loss, this approach may not lead to the fair compensation you seek. Your insurance provider is very likely to be in search of so-called weaknesses in your claim and to use these to chip away at your settlement amount.Â
The Insurance Company
The insurance company that covers your property and assets is – first and foremost – a for-profit enterprise that is interested in increasing its profits and in decreasing its payouts. As such, your insurance provider has many tools at the ready to help it reduce your settlement offer, including:
- Making an early settlement offer that doesn’t address your complete damages when you are not fully aware of your complete damages or that you accept to get a check as soon as possible
- Making the process so complex and arduous that you give up out of utter frustration
- Dragging out the process to the point that you simply give up
- Attempting to deny coverage altogether
Many claimants take the insurance company at its word and drop the matter, accept less than a fair amount, or believe they have no right to pursue a better settlement. As a consumer, however, you do have rights. You purchased insurance to protect yourself, and you should hold the insurance company responsible for the protection you purchased.Â
You Can Afford an Experienced Insurance Claims Attorney
If you have a significant insurance claim, don’t rely upon the insurance company to settle the matter fairly, and don’t settle for whatever the insurance company offers. While you may believe that you have no other options, the truth is that you can afford a dedicated insurance claims attorney, and you are well-advised to work with one.Â
Working with an experienced attorney from the outset helps to ensure that your case moves in the right direction from the beginning. And if you do run into complications, your attorney will be up to speed regarding the elements of your claim and will be well-positioned to aggressively advocate for your fair payment.Â
Most reputable insurance claims attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means that your attorney won’t get paid until you are compensated by the insurance company – at which point, your attorney will receive a pre-arranged percentage.Â
Don’t Wait to Consult with an Experienced Chicago Insurance Claims Attorney
Property damage is a serious matter, and the Chicago insurance claims legal team at Anspach Law Office is committed to crafting your strongest claim – in defense of your rights and in pursuit of your rightful payout. For more information, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.
FAQs about Insurance Claims in Illinois
What documents do I need to file a property damage insurance claim?
You will typically need your policy number, a detailed inventory of the damaged items with their estimated value, photos or videos of the damage, receipts for any immediate repairs made to prevent further loss, and any relevant reports (like a police or fire report).
How long do I have to file an insurance claim for property loss?
This timeframe, or statute of limitations, varies by state and by the terms of your insurance policy. It’s crucial to report the damage and file your claim as soon as reasonably possible after the event to avoid any potential issues with your claim being denied for late filing.
Why did the insurance company deny my property damage claim?
A claim can be denied for many reasons, including the damage not being covered by your policy, insufficient documentation, filing the claim too late, or the insurer suspecting fraud. The first step in challenging a denial is to clearly understand the exact reason behind it.
Can I appeal if my property damage claim is denied?
Yes, you have the right to appeal a denial. This process usually involves submitting a formal letter to the insurance company outlining why you believe the denial was incorrect, along with any supporting evidence. An attorney can be invaluable in this process.
What is the role of an insurance claims attorney in property loss cases?
An attorney acts as your advocate. We can help you understand your policy, ensure your claim is properly documented and filed, negotiate with the insurance company for a fair settlement, and, if necessary, file a lawsuit to fight for the compensation you deserve. We level the playing field against insurance companies.
How long does the insurance claims process take?
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the claim, the extent of the damage, and the responsiveness of the insurance company. A simple claim might take weeks, while a complex or disputed claim can take many months or even years to resolve.
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Insurance Recovery
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