Representing Owners With Property Insurance Claims
Minnesota weather is notorious for causing property damage to homes and businesses. Many structures are damaged by hail, wind, falling trees or other storm-related conditions every year. While most individual and community association property owners carry property insurance to pay for these kinds of repairs, insurance companies routinely look for reasons to exclude, minimize, or deny coverage.
At Thomsen Nybeck, in Bloomington, Minnesota, our Insurance Recovery Group represents homeowners and community associations, in negotiating and challenging adjustments made by insurance companies for property damage claims. We are committed to recovering the compensation that businesses and homeowners need and deserve under the terms of insurance policy towards which they've been making payment. Contact us to learn more.
Insurance Claim Dispute Hearings
Under the terms of most property insurance policies, either the policy holder or the insurance company may demand an "appraisal hearing" when the amount of the loss cannot be agreed upon. The purpose of the hearing is to decide the proper amount of loss caused by a storm or other natural elements.
Each party hires an “appraiser” — not the typical kind that determines property values, but one that advocates on their behalf. They are usually engineers or experienced adjusters skilled in identifying and valuing storm damage claims. The policy terms usually provide that if the appraisers can not come to an agreement between them as to the amount of loss, the appraisers then select an "umpire" — an expert in reviewing wind damage, hail damage and other forms of storm damage. After hearing all the evidence and viewing the site, the appraisers and the umpire determine what the fair amount of the property loss adjustment should be.
Representation by an Experienced Legal Advocate
What is intended to be a simple dispute resolution process without the need for attorneys is too often escalated into a trial-like spectacle by insurance companies and/or their attorneys. Insurance companies often retain legal counsel to assist them at appraisal hearings. Sadly, going into a hearing without knowledgeable legal guidance can result in a property owner losing thousands of dollars in coverage that might otherwise have been used for roof shingles, siding, brick work or new windows.
The attorneys in the Insurance Recovery Group have a firm understanding of the Unfair Claims Practices Act (UCPA), Minnesota Building Codes, and applicable Minnesota statutes. We will help you address the following issues:
- Bad faith insurance
- Replacement value and cost
- Actual cash value policy
- Claim submissions, denials or approvals
- Sworn proof of loss
- Exclusions, exceptions and statute of limitations
- Public adjusters or insurance commissioners
At Thomsen Nybeck, our attorneys have extensive experience in both real estate and insurance litigation matters. They will provide skilled legal representation designed to protect your rights and your best interests in insurance claim dispute hearings.
Contact Us to Discuss Your Needs
If you are confronted by an insurance company that is attempting to deny you the money needed to repair storm-related damage to your home or business, contact Thomsen Nybeck. From our offices in Bloomington, we serve clients throughout the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, and greater Minnesota.
