What Should I Bring to my First Meeting with a Property Insurance Attorney?

Your claim has been denied and your insurance carrier is refusing to pay for your damaged property, so you’ve decided to hire an attorney. Meeting with an attorney may be a daunting task and is not typically something that most people do every day. Here are a few tips on what you should bring with you for your first meeting.

1. A Copy of Your Insurance Policy

Your attorney will likely need a copy of your insurance policy to ensure the damaged property is covered by insurance. It may also be helpful so the attorney knows what post-loss conditions there are for coverage and what the insurance company’s duties to you were, as well as if there are any limitations on recovery for damages.

2. If You Hired a Public Adjuster, any Documents They Provided the Insurance Company

Public adjusters are frequently used by homeowners to assist them through the claims process and can be useful tools for homeowners to navigate the claims process. Typically, throughout the process, a public adjuster will document the damages, fill out a Sworn Proof of Loss, prepare estimates, and remain in contact with the insurance company. Many of their documents and correspondence can be helpful for your attorney to look over to get a better idea of your case.

3. A Timeline of How You Discovered the Damage, What was Done to Mitigate the Damages, and What Exactly was Damaged

It is important for your attorney to know how the damages were discovered, especially as the case progresses. Additionally, insurance companies typically require homeowners to mitigate damages. Mitigation is a process of preventing your property from being further damaged, such as removing water. Whether this was done by you or a company is also important for your attorney to know. You should also provide your attorney a list of what exactly was damaged, which may include personal belongings or furniture, especially if water is involved.

4. A Breakdown of Anything You’ve Paid so far

If you have paid for any damaged items to be replaced or repaired, your attorney should know so they can adequately estimate your claim and work with the insurance company further to provide you the best outcome they can.

5. Any Photographs or Documents That Relate to the Damages

Photographs, videos, or other documents can be especially useful in a property damage case to prove what was damaged and the extent of the damages.

6. A List of any Questions You Have

Your attorney will be with you each step of the way to ensure your wrongfully denied claim is properly handled. It is important for you to ask any questions you may have about the process, as well as any idea of what you hope to get out of the case.

If your insurance company has wrongfully denied your claim and you are in need of a first-party property damage attorney, contact our office today.

This article is not intended to be legal advice nor create an attorney-client relationship.