Homeowners Insurance Lawyers

More than 826,000 people work as lawyers in the United States, and some of them specialize in homeownership issues.[1] A homeowners insurance lawyer could help resolve difficulties arising from complex claims.

Key Facts About Homeowners Insurance Lawyers

When to Hire a Homeowners Insurance Lawyer 

You can file a homeowners claim without hiring a lawyer. The process is relatively quick and easy, especially if the loss is small and easy to prove. But a lawyer’s help could be incredibly useful if your case is complex or contentious. 

You might consider a homeowners insurance lawyer due to the following circumstances:

• Complexity: Some homeowners claims stem from several conflicting factors, such as a severe storm and a lack of contractors. A lawyer could help you untangle these issues. 
• Financial problems: If your claim results in a payment that is too small, and the company won’t budge on the amount, you may need to fight in court. You’ll need a lawyer to do that. 
• Severe delays: If your insurance company won’t respond to your claim quickly, and you could face a loss of benefits due to that fact, a lawyer’s assistance may be required. 

You could use a homeowners insurance lawyer to handle common claims, including personal injury, personal property, and liability. 

A lawyer shouldn’t be your first step. For example, a public insurance adjuster you hire could help you resolve complex cases and fight for higher offers. Second opinions from contractors could also be useful in resolving financial issues. None of these professionals will charge as much as a lawyer might. 

What’s a Reasonable Timeframe for a Homeowners Insurance Claim?

Most people need between 18 and 24 months to repair or rebuild after a major event.[3] Homeowners typically keep their claims open during this period. But your process may move faster or slower. 

Your time frame could vary due to the following factors:

• Difficulty: Complicated cases take longer to resolve. 
• Demand: Natural disasters, like storms, can cause many claims for the insurance company to investigate, causing a backlog. 
• Policy: Your plan could set time frames to resolve conflicts. 

Why Hire an Attorney Specializing in Homeowners Insurance for Your Claim?

Researchers say most people are happy with their homeowners insurance claim experience.[4] But if you’re not, hiring someone to argue on your behalf in court could be wise. This advocate should be experienced in the field of homeowners insurance claims, so they can guide you through the whole process easily.

A homeowners insurance lawyer can tackle the following steps for you:

• Examine: Your lawyer will look over your policy and determine if you have a valid case. If so, you’ll move forward. 
• File: Your lawyer will fill out paperwork with the courts and file a claim with the insurance company. 
• Research: As part of your case, your lawyer will gather evidence that proves the validity of your point of view. 
• Negotiate: After performing research, your lawyer may reach out directly for a settlement. That step could keep you out of court. 
• Represent: If your case goes to court, your lawyer will speak for you, present the evidence, and fight for your rights. 

A lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal system while fighting for your rights. You’ll need a lawyer to fight against the insurance company in court. Doing so could help you get the maximum payout for your claim. 

How Much Does a Homeowners Insurance Lawyer Cost?

It’s impossible to estimate how much a homeowners insurance lawyer will cost. Fees can vary based on location, complexity, billing structure, and so much more. 

Most lawyers will hold a free consultation.[5] They will examine your case, hear your opinion, and determine whether or not you have a valid claim. Your lawyer should give you an idea of your final bill before you agree to work together. 

Many homeowners insurance lawyers work on contingency, which means they take a percentage of the final claim settlement. This percentage can range greatly. If you don’t win in court or other forms of litigation, you won’t owe the attorney anything. Their payment is dependent on you getting a favorable settlement. 

With contingency arrangements, there is less risk since you will be paying your lawyer a portion of what you end up with. But not all homeowners insurance lawyers work this way. Some simply charge an hourly rate, and others work on a retainer. Confirm all the details upfront with the attorney, as hourly rates can add up quickly.

Some people don’t hire lawyers because they believe they can’t afford them. Remember that a homeowners insurance lawyer is fighting for a proper settlement from your insurance company. Hiring them could result in more money overall, not less. 

How to Choose the Best Homeowners Insurance Lawyer

The American Bar Association says trustworthiness is the most important qualification for your lawyer.[6] You must find someone you can talk with openly and whom you trust to work for you. Assess your lawyer’s skills through client testimonials and references. 

Other good qualities to look for in an attorney include the following:

• Experience: Your lawyer should be well-versed in homeowner policies and pertinent laws in your state. 
• Successes: A qualified attorney should have a good track record of similar cases. Ask for specifics about prior experiences.
• Skill: Attorneys make a living by persuading others. Your chosen lawyer should be a talented communicator. 
• Availability: Your lawyer shouldn’t be too busy to work with you. That means you should ask how many local cases your attorney is handling and how your case fits into their schedule. 

Don’t be afraid to meet multiple lawyers and interview them before making a final selection. This is an important decision. You want to feel good about your partner in this.

Questions to Ask During an Initial Meeting 

After you schedule a meeting with a potential lawyer, consider what you’ll ask during your time together. 

The following are good questions to ask:[5]

• How long have you been practicing law? 
• Do you handle cases like mine most often?
• Will other people (like law clerks) be working on my case? What will you charge for them?
• What is your opinion of my case’s strengths and weaknesses?
• What are my alternatives to trial?
• What fees will you charge? 

Frequently Asked Questions About Homeowners Insurance Lawyers

We’ve compiled some of the most common questions about homeowners insurance lawyers.