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Homeowners or renters claim denied or underpaid

Property claims are governed mainly by your policy and state law, and most deadlines are in the policy.

Steps

1. Get the decision in writing with the policy provisions relied on. Request a written explanation if needed.
2. Find the deadline clauses in your policy now. Look for "suit against us" or "legal action," "proof of loss," and any appraisal clause. Example: Connecticut's insurance department described policy language requiring suit to be started within two years after the date of loss, and asked insurers to state the expiry date in denial letters. Your policy and state may differ; ask a lawyer if the clock is close.
3. Ask for reconsideration with evidence: photos, repair estimates, receipts, and the adjuster's report. Use the reconsideration letter.
4. File a state insurance department complaint if the insurer will not resolve it. Departments can look at whether the insurer followed the law and the policy; Texas's, for example, says it cannot decide factual disputes such as storm damage versus wear and tear, and companies there have 15 days to respond to the department (with a possible 10-day extension).
5. Remember: a complaint does not stop policy or legal deadlines (Arizona states this directly).
6. Legal help: a policyholder attorney or a free legal aid service can advise on lawsuits and "bad faith" rules, which differ by state. A 50-state survey by United Policyholders summarizes them.

Related guides

• Auto insurance claim denied or disputed
• State insurance department complaints: what they can and cannot do
• Travel insurance claim denied
• State insurance department directory