Now, you should call the professionals. A South Dakota homeowner’s insurance claim lawyer can help protect your rights.
Home insurance is meant to protect one of the things most important to you. When a loss occurs and you need to file an insurance claim, you rely on your insurance company to provide the appropriate benefits.
Unfortunately, sometimes insurance companies deny, delay or deeply discount claims that should be paid in full. If this has happened to you, your insurer may be not only ignoring the terms of your policy, but violating the law and operating in bad faith. A South Dakota homeowner’s insurance claim lawyer can fight for your rights to coverage and benefits.
Your Rights and the Insurer’s Obligations
When you purchase a home insurance policy, you enter into a contract with the insurance company. In exchange for your premium payments to keep the policy in force, the insurance company agrees to pay for damage to your home, subject to the terms of the policy.
Policy holders are generally responsible for paying the agreed-upon deductible, and the insurance companies are responsible for paying the remaining cost of covered claims.
If you followed your obligations by paying your premiums and reported your claim promptly, only to be given the run-around by your insurance company, the insurer may be acting in bad faith or engaging in unfair trade practices.
Your insurance company is in a position of power, but you do have recourse if you believe the insurer has abused that power. Insurance companies operating in South Dakota must follow the law when it comes to honoring the terms of insurance agreements. They have the right to request information, examine the circumstances, make sure claims are reasonable, and not pay fraudulent claims, but they are bound by law to pay legitimate claims covered under your home insurance policy.
Bad Faith Actions
Insurers who deliberately delay or deny claims or who try to settle claims for less than what their policy holders are legally entitled to receive may be acting in bad faith or engaging in unfair trade practices.
Sometimes there are valid reasons for an insurance company to deny or delay payment on a claim, but claim holders should always be given notice of the insurance company’s decision. If that decision is unfavorable, the insurer should provide the rationale for denying or disputing your claim.
If you were notified that a claim was being denied but were not provided with a satisfactory reason, or were given a reason that does not make sense, you may need the help of a South Dakota home insurance claim lawyer.
Bad Faith Handling of Claims Is Wrong
If your insurance company has unfairly denied your claim, is unreasonably delaying payment, or has indicated the amount you will receive is less than what you believe you are owed, it is time to seek out advice from a South Dakota home insurance claim lawyer at Turbak Law Office, P.C. by calling 605-886-8361. Our attorneys are experienced in standing up to insurance companies to protect your rights and get you the compensation you are owed.
