Ocala Insurance Coverage Disputes Lawyer

Ocala Insurance Coverage Disputes Lawyer

You have spent years faithfully paying your insurance premiums. When your insurance company denies your valid claim in bad faith, you may be entitled to compensation.

Since 2007, Allen Law Firm, P.A. has represented policyholders in Ocala, Florida to hold insurance companies accountable. We also represent clients in cases like Ocala bad faith insurance, Ocala business disputes, Ocala uninsured motorists claims, car accidents, motorcycle accidents, and truck accidents, among other practice areas.

Contact our Ocala law office today at (352) 351-3258 for a free consultation with an Ocala insurance coverage disputes lawyer who can help you. 

How Allen Law Firm, P.A. Can Help with Your Insurance Coverage Dispute in Ocala, FL

How Allen Law Firm, P.A. Can Help with Your Insurance Coverage Dispute in Ocala, FL

You count on your insurance company to help you when, after years of monthly premiums, you suffer a loss. However, your insurance company isn’t on your side. They are a for-profit company that will try to deny your claim or otherwise avoid paying what you deserve.

When your insurance company isn’t there for you when you need them, you can count on Allen Law Firm, P.A. to step in. Our Ocala insurance claims lawyers have more than 70 years of legal experience. Our on-staff insurance adjusters have a collective 130 years of experience working for insurance companies. This gives us valuable insight into the tactics your insurance company may use against you.

We put our decades of experience and insight to work for you. 

Choose Allen Law Firm, P.A. to represent you in your insurance dispute and count on us to:

  • Work with experts to gather evidence showing the cause and extent of the damages you suffered
  • Conduct a careful investigation to determine the fair value of your insurance claim
  • Fight back against attempts to shift blame to you or someone else
  • Handle all communications with the law firm
  • Negotiate on your behalf with your insurance company directly and in mediation
  • Take your case to court if your insurance company fails to offer you what you deserve 

Allen Law Firm, P.A. is proud to represent policyholders in Ocala, FL who are not being treated fairly by their insurers. Call our law office today so we can begin protecting your best interests and fighting back against your insurance company’s tactics.

What Is an Insurance Coverage Dispute?

An insurance coverage dispute arises between an insurance company and a policyholder when the two parties do not agree on settlement terms or a claim is denied. You may find yourself in a dispute with your insurance company when you submit a claim and it is denied outright, you are offered less than you believe your claim is worth, or a payout is unreasonably delayed.

An insurance dispute can arise with any type of insurance policy, although many claims involve home insurance, motor vehicle coverage, business insurance, and medical insurance.

Common examples of disputes include:

  • Refusal to pay a claim with an argument that the cost is too high
  • Disagreements over the type of repairs needed in a motor vehicle claim
  • Refusal to cover a certain type of treatment in a medical claim
  • Denied claim based on it not being covered by the policy terms
  • Denial of a claim based on exclusions in the policy
  • Disagreements over how home damage occurred
  • Disagreements over whether the policyholder made reasonable efforts to mitigate damage 

When you take out an insurance policy, it creates a binding contract between you and the insurer. As long as your premiums are paid, the insurer agrees to provide the benefits explained in the policy. When these provisions are violated, an experienced Ocala, FL insurance dispute lawyer can help.

What Is Insurance Bad Faith in Florida?

Under Florida insurance law, insurance companies have a duty to fulfill their duties to process your claim in bad faith.

This means they must act fairly and honestly when processing, investigating, valuing, and paying out your claim. When the insurance company fails to do this, it is considered bad faith.

A Florida insurance company can act in bad faith in many ways such as:

  • Wrongfully denying your legitimate claim
  • Causing unreasonable delays in paying your claim after the obligation to pay is clear
  • Denying your claim without conducting a fair investigation
  • Failing to acknowledge or respond promptly to notification of your claim
  • Making changes to your coverage without your consent
  • Failing to provide a reasonable basis and explanation for a denied claim
  • Canceling a policy due to a claim being made
  • Misrepresenting the terms of the policy 

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for insurance companies to act in bad faith. Insurers are for-profit businesses that benefit from denying and underpaying claims. Insurance companies may also exploit the knowledge that most policyholders do not understand the complicated policy language and do not know their rights.

Not all insurance coverage disputes rise to the level of bad faith. Sometimes you may have a dispute because you disagree with your insurance company about their settlement offer. If they reached their value fairly after a full investigation, it is probably not bad faith. However, an Ocala insurance dispute lawyer can still help negotiate on your behalf and submit evidence proving the value of your claim.

Why Was My Ocala Insurance Claim Denied?

Insurance companies employ many tactics to minimize payouts. This begins with complex and detailed contract language as well as a team of trained insurance adjusters and attorneys on their side.

There are many strategies the insurance company may use to deny your claim:

  • Arguing that your damages or injuries are not within the scope of your coverage
  • Challenging that you did not pay premiums on time
  • Blaming you for the damage or injury or claiming you failed to mitigate the damage
  • Claiming damage was caused by normal wear and tear and not covered

These are only some examples of why your claim may have been denied. If you believe your claim was unfairly denied or undervalued, contact our Ocala insurance dispute attorneys to discuss your case.

We Handle All Types of Insurance Coverage Disputes in Ocala, Florida

The Ocala insurance dispute lawyers at Allen Law Firm, P.A. represent clients in all types of insurance coverage disputes.

Contact us if you have a dispute with a claim involving any of the following:

  • Auto insurance
  • Uninsured motorist coverage
  • Homeowners insurance
  • Wind insurance
  • Flood insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Business interruption insurance
  • Commercial property insurance

If you are facing an insurance dispute of any type, call Allen Law Firm, P.A. for the legal representation you need to face your insurer. 

Can I Sue My Insurance Company in Florida for Bad Faith?

When your insurance company denies your claim or otherwise gives you an adverse decision, you can file a complaint with the Florida Department of Financial Services (FDFS). Your insurer will have 20 days to respond to this complaint and the FDFS will then make a decision.

It’s important to work with an experienced insurance dispute attorney in Ocala, FL when making a complaint. A skilled attorney will understand Florida insurance laws and the legal principles and policy provisions that will support your position.

Sometimes a dispute can be resolved through negotiation with the insurance company even before filing a complaint. Mediation is also provided under Florida law to resolve disputes.

When mediation and an official complaint fail, the best option may be to take your dispute to court.

Florida’s insurance bad faith law protects policyholders from unfair and deceptive insurance practices. If your insurer acts in bad faith when denying, undervaluing, or delaying payment of your claim, you may be entitled to damages.

Florida law allows policyholders to sue their insurance companies for the full amount they are owed. In the case of bad faith actions, the insurance company may be required to pay penalties as well. These penalties are designed to discourage insurers from engaging in bad faith practices. Your insurer may also be liable for 12% interest per year on unpaid amounts.

How Long Do I Have to Sue My Insurance Company in Ocala, FL?

Under Florida law, you have the right to file a lawsuit against your insurance company when they engage in bad faith. However, it is crucial to file your claim promptly.

You must give your insurance company at least 60 days’ notice of their violation before you can file a claim. The type of claim you are filing will affect your statute of limitations to file a lawsuit.

A breach of contract lawsuit has a five-year statute of limitations in Florida. This statute of limitations may apply if, for instance, your home insurance or business insurance claim was denied.

However, there are some exceptions, including reopened, supplemental, and initial claims based on wind and hurricane damage. In these cases, you have just three years to file a lawsuit.

Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Ocala Insurance Coverage Disputes Lawyers

Do you suspect your insurance company has acted in bad faith? Has your valid claim been denied or underpaid? Allen Law Firm, P.A. is here to help you uphold your legal rights and fight for the fair settlement you deserve.

Contact our Ocala insurance dispute law firm today to schedule a free consultation. An Ocala insurance coverage dispute will help you fight your insurance company for the money you deserve after years of faithful premium payments.

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