When dealing with a wildfire-related total loss, homeowners often find themselves at a disadvantage when negotiating with their insurance company. While insurance agents are knowledgeable about policies, they work for the insurance company and have obligations that may not align with your best interests. Here’s why partnering with a law firm offers far more protection, expertise, and advocacy:
1. Insurance Agents Work for the Insurance Company, Not the Homeowner
Conflict of Interest: Insurance agents are employed by the insurance company, and their primary loyalty is to the insurer. Their role is to protect the company’s bottom line while maintaining client satisfaction—but not to maximize payouts.
Limited Authority: Agents lack the authority to advocate for you in disputes or challenge low offers. They can only provide guidance based on company policies and procedures, which are designed to benefit the insurer.
Why a Law Firm is Better:
Attorneys are legally and ethically bound to act in your best interest. Their role is to maximize your recovery, not the insurer’s profits.
2. Legal Expertise to Navigate Complex Policy Language
Ambiguous Terms: Insurance policies are often written with technical and ambiguous language that can be misinterpreted to the insurer’s advantage. For example:
Insufficient Coverage Identification: Agents may not actively identify all available coverage options under your policy, such as additional living expenses (ALE) or ordinance and law coverage for rebuilding to updated codes.
Why a Law Firm is Better:
Lawyers are trained to interpret contract language and find every coverage opportunity available in your policy. They can counter incorrect interpretations used to deny or underpay claims.
3. Higher Payouts Through Strategic Negotiation
Insurance Company’s Advantage: Insurers train their agents and adjusters to minimize claim payouts. They may:
Why a Law Firm is Better:
Law firms negotiate aggressively on your behalf, using legal precedent and documentation to demand the maximum settlement. Attorneys can also:
4. Protection Against Bad Faith Practices
Common Tactics:
No Accountability: Agents may not intervene or escalate issues when their company engages in bad faith practices, leaving you vulnerable to unfair treatment.
Why a Law Firm is Better:
Attorneys can identify and address bad faith practices. They have the authority to:
5. Comprehensive Support Beyond the Claim
Agents’ Limitations: Insurance agents focus solely on the claim process. They don’t help with rebuilding, contractor disputes, or ensuring that all funds are disbursed properly.
Rebuilding Complexities: After a wildfire, rebuilding requires navigating permits, hiring contractors, and addressing updated building codes, all of which are outside an agent’s expertise.
Why a Law Firm is Better:
Law firms offer holistic support, including:
6. Ability to Escalate the Claim
Agents Lack Legal Authority: If negotiations stall or your claim is denied, an agent cannot escalate your claim beyond the insurer’s internal processes.
No Legal Representation: Agents cannot provide legal advice or take legal action to enforce your rights under your policy.
Why a Law Firm is Better:
Law firms have the authority to:
7. Handling Additional Living Expenses (ALE)
Agents May Overlook ALE: Insurance agents may not focus on maximizing your Additional Living Expenses (ALE), which cover temporary housing, meals, transportation, and other costs while your home is uninhabitable. Insurers often lowball these claims or fail to account for all eligible expenses.
Why a Law Firm is Better:
Attorneys ensure ALE is calculated accurately and includes:
8. Independent Advocacy During Disasters
Mass Claims Pressure: After large-scale disasters like wildfires, insurance companies are inundated with claims. This often results in rushed settlements, lower payouts, and stricter scrutiny of claims.
Agents’ Limitations: In these situations, agents may prioritize the company’s need to close claims quickly over ensuring you get a fair settlement.
Why a Law Firm is Better:
Attorneys are independent advocates who are not influenced by the insurer’s priorities. They ensure your claim receives the attention it deserves, even when insurers are overwhelmed.
9. Long-Term Financial Security
Agents’ Limitations: In these situations, agents may prioritize the company’s need to close claims quickly over ensuring you get a fair settlement.
Why a Law Firm is Better:
Attorneys focus on securing a settlement that fully covers your losses, ensuring you can rebuild without financial hardship.
Conclusion
While insurance agents are valuable resources for understanding your policy, their primary loyalty is to the insurance company, not you. A law firm, on the other hand, offers the legal authority, strategic negotiation skills, and independent advocacy needed to secure the maximum payout for your wildfire-related loss. By partnering with a law firm, you’re not just filing a claim—you’re ensuring your financial recovery is handled with expertise, diligence, and unwavering commitment to your best interests.
Contact us today for a free consultation and let us fight for the settlement you deserve.
At Greene Law PC, we’re dedicated to making sure your voice is heard, your losses are fully acknowledged, and your policy delivers everything it promises. We don’t let insurers cut corners or take advantage of your vulnerability. Instead, we take charge of your claim, empowering you with knowledge, guidance, and relentless advocacy.
As proven professionals with 40 years of experience, we are here to guide you through the complex legal process, diligently protect your rights and assure the best possible outcome for your case.