What to Do if Homeowners Insurance Company Is Stalling

If your homeowners insurance company is stalling, document all interactions and follow up persistently, ensuring you understand and fulfill policy requirements. If the issue persists, consider filing a formal complaint with your state's insurance department or seek legal advice or hire a public adjuster. These experts can negotiate on your behalf and help navigate insurance claim complexities, increasing your chances of a favorable outcome.

Understanding your rights and options is important when dealing with a stalling insurance company.

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 acts as an advocate for homeowners, representing their interests in dealings with insurance companies. A lawyer can help when your insurer delays your claim. 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: Look for attorneys who specialize in insurance law or have experience with home insurance claims.
• Initial Consultation: Most attorneys offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case and provide guidance.
• Engagement: If you decide to proceed, you sign a contract with the attorney to officially start 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.

Home insurance providers might stall for several reasons, often related to their internal processes, business practices or specific circumstances surrounding your claim. 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.

As a homeowners insurance policyholder, understanding your rights 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 coverage you're entitled to under your policy.

• Fair Treatment: You have the right to fair and non-discriminatory treatment from your insurance company, including clear communication.
• Prompt Communication: Insurers must respond to your inquiries and claims promptly and explain any delays.
• Policy Clarity: You have the right to a clear understanding of 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: You can file a complaint against your insurance company with your state insurance department if you're dissatisfied with claim handling.
• Representation: You have the right to hire legal or professional representation, like a public adjuster, when dealing with your insurance company.
• Fair Claims Process: You have the right to a timely and unbiased investigation and settlement of your insurance claims.

If your homeowners insurance company is stalling, you don’t have to wait in frustration. Understanding your rights and acting early can protect your claim. 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. By considering different locations and companies, we aim to give a reliable estimate of what homeowners can expect to pay — showing why it’s important to compare rates. 

Homeowner Profile

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

• Good credit score (769–792)
• 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.