In this article, you can discover:
- The steps property owners need to take when filing an insurance claim in Pierce County, Washington.
- The responsibilities of both property owners and insurance companies during the claims process.
- Common reasons for claim denial or delay and the necessary actions for property owners in such situations.
What Are The Steps A Property Owner Needs To Take To File An Insurance Claim In Pierce County, Washington?
When filing an insurance claim in Pierce County, Washington, property owners should follow these steps:
- Notify your insurance company of the loss promptly, as most policies require it.
- Protect your property from further damage, which may also be required by your policy. For example, if a pipe bursts, turn off the water and start drying the area to prevent mold and mildew. Insurance policies often cover hiring a professional contractor for mitigation services.
- Read your insurance policy to determine coverage and maximum payout. Policies can be complicated.
- Cooperate with the insurance company’s investigation, allowing them access to the property and providing documents related to the loss.
- Contact a property Insurance claims attorney who can help you ensure that the whole value of your claim is protected through each step of the process.
What Are The Property Owner’s Responsibilities Once A Claim Has Been Filed?
After filing a claim, property owners must cooperate with the insurance company’s investigation. This includes promptly responding to requests for information and providing documents such as receipts, photos of damage, and police or fire department reports when applicable.
What Are The Responsibilities Of The Insurance Company Once A Claim Has Been Filed?
Insurance companies in Washington have a duty to act in good faith. They must perform a reasonable investigation, give equal consideration to policyholders’ interests, and adhere to statutory claim handling guidelines found in Washington Administrative Code Section 284-30-330 – 284-30-380. Violations of these regulations can lead to claims of insurance bad faith, the Washington Consumer Protection Act, and the Insurance Fair Conduct Act.
What Are The Most Common Reasons A Provider Denies, Delays, Or Refuses To Address A Claim Even If The Property Owner Has Provided Ample Proof That The Claim Is Valid?
Insurance companies might unreasonably deny, delay, or refuse claims due to:
Ambiguous coverage exclusion – Washington law requires ambiguities in policies to favor policyholders.
Value dispute – Data-driven technology might not accurately reflect fluctuating material costs and local labor rates, leading to lower repair estimates.
Understaffing or improper training – Some companies hire less experienced adjusters or fail to train them on state-specific regulations, resulting in unreasonable investigations and delays in providing benefits.
What Are The Next Steps A Property Owner Has To Take If The Insurance Company Denies Or Delays A Claim?
If an insurance company denies or delays a claim, the property owner should contact an experienced insurance bad faith attorney immediately. Some policies have suit limitation clauses, which can limit the time available to file a lawsuit. A bad faith insurance attorney can evaluate the case and determine if the property owner is entitled to recover policy benefits and damages for the insurance company’s misconduct.
For more information on Bad Faith Insurance Claims In Washington, a free initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (253) 339-8500 today.
