What to Do if the Homeowners Insurance Company Is Stalling

Insurance companies sometimes drag out claims, adding stress when you're already dealing with property damage. Don't let delays derail your claim. Keep detailed records of every phone call and email, and call your adjuster weekly for updates. Make sure you've submitted all required paperwork and met your policy's deadlines.

If delays continue beyond reasonable timeframes, escalate your complaint. File a formal complaint with your state's insurance department, which can investigate and pressure insurers to act. You can also hire a public adjuster to negotiate on your behalf. These professionals know insurance law and can often resolve stalled claims more effectively than individual policyholders.

For complex cases or suspected bad faith practices, consult an attorney who specializes in insurance disputes.

If your homeowners insurance company is stalling, document all interactions and follow up diligently. If the issue persists, file a formal complaint with your state's insurance department and consider seeking legal advice. Understanding your rights and being proactive can improve your chances of getting a homeowners insurance payout.

Legal counsel advocates for homeowners, representing their interests in dealings with insurance companies. A lawyer can help when your insurer delays your claim. 

Wondering when to call a lawyer? Here's when and how to seek legal advice and what to expect from hiring an attorney:

• Persistent Delays: If your insurance claim is continuously delayed without a valid reason, despite your efforts to resolve it.
• Dispute Over Claim: If there are disputes regarding the claim amount, coverage or denial of your claim.
• Complex Claims: When your claim is complicated, involving substantial damages or legal intricacies.

• Research Attorneys: Find lawyers who specialize in insurance law or have experience with homeowners insurance claims.
• Initial Consultation: Most attorneys offer free initial consultations to discuss your case and explain your options.
• Engagement: If you decide to proceed, you'll sign an engagement agreement to begin official representation.

• Expert Guidance: An attorney can provide expert advice on insurance laws and your policy's specifics.
• Negotiation: They handle negotiations with your insurer to get you a fair settlement.
• Representation: If necessary, they represent you in legal proceedings or disputes with the insurance company.
• Fees: Be aware of their fee structure, which might be hourly, a flat fee or contingent on your claim's success.
• Communication: They should provide regular updates and maintain open communication regarding your claim's status.

Public adjusters are licensed professionals who assist homeowners with home insurance claims, particularly during delays. They check your policy, evaluate the damage and take care of your entire claim. Their expertise in insurance laws and negotiation helps secure fair settlements and reduces your burden, streamlining the claim process. By handling communication with insurance companies, they alleviate the stress and complexity of insurance claims.

Wondering why your claim seems stuck in limbo? Home insurance providers stall for several reasons, often related to their internal processes, business practices or circumstances surrounding your claim. Understanding these reasons can help you better navigate the situation and know when delays are legitimate versus when you need to take action.

While these are potential reasons for stalling, not all delays are intentional or malicious. Insurance claims can be complex, and various legitimate factors can contribute to resolution time.

Understanding your rights as a homeowners insurance policyholder ensures fair and just treatment from your insurance provider. This empowers you to manage claims, handle disputes and recognize when your policy's terms are being met or violated. This knowledge helps you protect your interests and receive the financial protection you're entitled to under your policy, subject to your specific coverage limits, deductibles and policy terms.

• Fair Treatment: You have the right to fair and non-discriminatory treatment from your insurance company, including clear communication.
• Prompt Communication: Insurers must promptly respond to your inquiries and claims and explain any delays.
• Policy Clarity: You have the right to clearly understand your policy's coverage, exclusions, limits and deductibles.
• Appeal Rights: If a claim is denied, you can appeal the decision and receive a detailed explanation for the denial.
• Filing Complaints: If you're dissatisfied with claim handling, you can file a complaint against your insurance company with your state insurance department.
• Representation: When dealing with your insurance company, you can hire legal or professional representation, like a public adjuster.
• Fair Claims Process: You have the right to a timely and unbiased investigation and settlement of your insurance claims.

While some delays in home insurance claims are due to legitimate reasons, others may stem from avoidable issues within the process. Knowing the signs of a potential intentional delay can help you respond quickly and keep your claim on track.

If your homeowners insurance company is stalling, you don’t have to wait in frustration. Understanding your rights and acting early can help ensure you receive the full financial protection you're entitled to under your policy terms. Whether through formal complaints, hiring a public adjuster or getting legal support, you have tools to move your claim forward.

Understanding why your homeowners insurance company is stalling helps you determine what to do next. You can take several steps, including following up consistently and providing all requested requirements. If the situation worsens, you can seek legal advice. We answered frequently asked questions to help you navigate this issue.

MoneyGeek analyzed quotes from multiple insurance providers across the U.S. using a profile that reflects the average homeowner. We consider different locations and companies to provide a reliable estimate of what homeowners can expect to pay, showing why comparing rates matter. 

Homeowner Profile

For our analysis, we created a sample homeowner profile with the following characteristics:

• Good credit score (769 to 792)
• Home constructed in 2000
• Wood-frame construction
• Composite shingle roof

Homeowners Insurance Coverage Details

Unless otherwise specified, we used the following coverage limits to collect quotes for our comparison:

• $250,000 in dwelling coverage
• $125,000 in personal property coverage
• $200,000 in personal liability coverage
• $1,000 deductible

We also compiled data for policies with broader coverage to determine the best companies for insuring expensive homes, upping limits to $1 million in dwelling coverage, $500,000 in personal property coverage and $1 million in liability coverage.