Representing Homeowners in Colorado Insurance Disputes
Homeowners insurance protects the policyholder against losses caused by casualties like fires, storm damage, water damage and burst pipes. Homeowners insurance also provides liability coverage for injuries to a non-family member as a result of negligence on the part of the homeowner or a family member.
At the Cederberg Law Firm, attorney Jim Cederberg understands how to best handle homeowners insurance claims in Colorado. For more information about your rights under your insurance policy, contact him at his office in Boulder for a free consultation.
Insurance companies have an obligation to do what they promised in the policy and treat the insured fairly and in good faith. If an insurance company acts in bad faith, it can be held liable for damages beyond the coverage provided in the policy.
Enforcing the Terms of Your Insurance Policy Coverage
All insurance policies are contracts that provide specific benefits. They only cover the types of losses specified in the policy. Homeowners insurance policies are difficult for the average homeowner to read and understand. Even lawyers have a hard time reading them, and insurance adjusters often don’t understand a policy they are supposed to interpret.
If you experience damage to your home as the result of fire, storm damage, a burst pipe, vandalism or theft, make sure that your insurance company agrees to pay for all covered losses. They must fully investigate the claim before denying any part it. The insurer should pay a fair amount in a timely manner. They should assist you every step of the way. If disaster relief is needed, they should help you arrange that and pay the vendor. They should help you identify damaged items and structure damage and provide you with a fair estimate. They should offer you the opportunity to get estimates of your own. They should openly discuss their estimate with you and honestly answer your questions. If a portion of the loss is agreed upon, they should pay the undisputed amount promptly even if issues remain. You have a duty to fully cooperate with the insurance company and to take reasonable steps to control the damage.
Get Help With a Liability Insurance Claim
Under liability coverage, if a claim is made or threatened against you for something other than a car accident, notify your homeowners insurance carrier immediately. They should assume responsibility for the investigation and hire a lawyer to represent you. The insurance company owes you separate duties to defend the claim and to settle the claim within the policy limits if it is reasonable to do so.
To learn more about your rights under your Colorado homeowners insurance policy, contact lawyer Jim Cederberg for a free consultation.
