A USAA claim denial in Louisiana following a hurricane with flood damage can be devastating to your life. After going through the trauma of a hurricane, all you want is for the insurance company to do what they promised after you consistently paid your monthly premiums. Unfortunately, insurance companies are masters at denying and delaying payments to keep a healthy bottom financial line—often at the expense of their policyholders. If your home has been damaged or destroyed, you may be living with relatives or in a hotel—or you are attempting to stay in a house that may be without power or water.
When your insurance company takes their time getting your settlement money to you, when the check will only cover a fraction of the damage, or when the company denies your claim altogether, you need help, and you need it quickly. The team at New Orleans Legal, LLC can help you through this difficult time. We will work hard on your behalf for the proper settlement—one that will fully restore or rebuild your home.
Download: 10 Steps To Take After Hurricane Property Damage
Peter Diiorio at New Orleans Legal believes in your right to a fair and fast settlement. After all, you held up your end of the bargain; now it’s time for your insurance company to do the same. You may be stressed, anxious, and frustrated right now, unsure of what to do. Let us take the burden of dealing with your insurance company from you, giving you the time to do all the other things that need to be done to get your life back on track. We want to be the advocate in your corner that will aggressively pursue an insurance settlement that is equitable and timely.
About USAA
Twenty-five Army officers met in San Antonio, TX, in 1922, deciding to insure one another’s vehicles. They couldn’t have imagined their tiny organization would serve millions of members across the United States one day. USAA grew steadily throughout the century, as wars and military build-ups increased the pool of eligible members. Today, USAA is the fourth-largest auto insurer and fourth-largest home insurer in the nation.
Common USAA Bad Faith Practices In A USAA Claim Denial in Louisiana
Virtually every insurance company is guilty of engaging in bad faith practices on occasion. Bad faith practices are illegal, and if USAA denied your claim for what does not seem to be a legitimate reason, you need help. Your insurance policy is a contract between you and your insurance company. You faithfully pay your insurance premiums every single month, and your insurance company will cover damages to your home in the event of a disaster. When your insurance company fails to hold up its end of the bargain, it may be acting in bad faith. Bad faith practices may include:
- Failing to investigate your claim thoroughly
- Delaying the decision on your claim
- Failing to pay what your claim is worth
- Failing to pay you promptly
- Denying your claim entirely
On occasion, a bad faith insurance claim denial from USAA could be an accident. Most often, delays, denials, and failing to pay a fair amount are simply tactics to save the insurance company money. In short, profit over policyholders. Your situation may seem hopeless, but don’t give up hope until you speak with Peter Diiorio at New Orleans Legal, LLC.
USAA and National Flood Insurance Program
If your home is in a high-risk area, your mortgage company may have required you to purchase flood insurance. It is a common misconception that you don’t need flood insurance if you are in moderate to low-risk flood areas. Flood insurance is not a part of your typical homeowner’s coverage, but it is not just for high-risk areas.
Flooding is the top natural disaster in the United States, and those that live in the state of Louisiana are no strangers to hurricanes and the accompanying flooding. If you have not had flooding in the past, this is no guarantee you will not suffer home flooding in the future. Our weather has changed significantly over the years, with areas that never flooded in the past now experiencing flooding and even severe flooding.
Since a mere few inches of water can result in tens of thousands of dollars worth of damage, it is crucial that homeowners purchase flood insurance. USAA sells and services flood coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The program’s maximum coverage is $250,000 for a home and $100,000 for the contents. If additional coverage is required, USAA can refer you to a broker. Condo owners and renters may also purchase flood insurance.
How Contacting an Attorney for USAA Bad Faith Denial Can Be in Your Best Interests
USAA claims denials in Louisiana can be devastating. Many victims of hurricane damage and flooding are uncertain how to determine the full extent of their losses. Most of us assume our insurance company will treat us fairly; however, this may not be the case. Your claim could be denied, or you could be offered an amount that will not cover the repairs to your home. At New Orleans Legal, LLC, we help people in need following a hurricane and/or flooding. We want to take the burden from your shoulders; we know you have many other things to concentrate on right now. We want you to be able to do that without having to deal with your insurance company. Contact New Orleans Legal, LLC today for experienced legal representation at a time when you need it most.
