3 ways to avoid a denied homeowners’ liability claim

Wed Dec 21st, 2016 on     Homeowners Insurance,    

Most homeowners’ insurance policies provide liability coverage that offers protection against lawsuits if a person is injured or suffers damage to their property while on your premises. All too often, however, liability claims are denied by insurers for unclear or unfair reasons.

When making a homeowners’ liability claim, the counsel of an experienced attorney can be invaluable. Your attorney will be able to determine whether your insurer is acting in bad faith by denying your claim and if so, ensure that you receive the coverage that you were promised. There are certain things to bear in mind when making a claim, however, that you may wish to know about before calling a lawyer.

1. Pay attention to the notice conditions in your insurance policy.

If an accident occurs at your home that results in another person being injured, most policies require that you inform your insurer as soon as is practicable. Your policy may or may not give a set period of time in which you are required to provide this notice, but your goal should be to inform your insurance company immediately in order to avoid the denial of your claim.

2. Notify your insurer of the specific details of any accident or injury.

Simply informing your insurer that an accident happened will not be enough. You should make sure to detail how, when and where any incident took place; the names and addresses of the person or people who were injured, as well as anyone who witnessed the accident; and the injury or damage that occurred, with details of its severity and location.

3. Notify your insurer if the injured party files a lawsuit against you.

Your policy will likely require you to give your insurer immediate notice of any claim that is made against you. If you do receive notice that you are being sued, record the details of the claim and the date on which it is received, then provide those details to your insurance company as soon as possible.

While following these three guidelines can help you to avoid a denied liability claim, your insurance policy may list other requirements; be sure to read through it carefully. If you have questions about your homeowners’ liability coverage or if your insurer is refusing to accept your claim, a skilled attorney with experience in resolving insurance coverage disputes can help you to understand and protect your rights.

Super Lawyers
Florida Legal Elite
Top Lawyer - South Florida Legal Guide
Association of Corporate Counsel - South Florida Chapter
Back to top