Insurance Claims in Odessa, TX

What Are Insurance Claims?

Filing an insurance claim in Odessa, Texas can be a stressful process. Every policy is different, and insurance companies may not pay you what you deserve. In some cases, hiring an insurance claim attorney is necessary. This page breaks down the nuances of  different types of insurance claims.

What Is a Property Insurance Claim?

A homeowner’s insurance policy is an agreement to protect the home from damage under specific occurrences. When you as a policyholder suffer a loss, you should find a dedicated Odessa, Texas property insurance lawyer. Your legal advocate works on your claim to ensure that you receive the benefits necessary to repair or rebuild your property.

If the insurer denies coverage or delays, policyholders should consult a property insurance attorney about a bad faith claim. If your claim goes to court and you win, you can often recover your court costs, attorney fees, and coverage benefits. There is also the possibility of recovering more money depending on the state laws under which you file your claim.

What Types Of Damage Claims Apply to Property Insurance?

Specific geographic regions impact the design of insurance policies. For example, Florida property insurance policies have more provisions for hurricanes versus earthquakes.

TGS Insurance confirms that there have been over 3,000 damaging weather events in Odessa between 1950 and 2010. Common property damage claims in Odessa resulting from storm damage consist of wind and hail claims, flooding from heavy rains, and damage from debris being thrown into the home by high winds. In addition, theft and burglary claims are also very common. In fact, the Center Square reports that Odessa has one of the highest home break-in rates in the U.S.

How to File a Property Insurance Claim in Odessa, Texas

After you suffer a loss, you must contact your insurer as soon as possible. Taking this step begins the insurance claim process and gets things moving along. You need to notify your insurance company in writing or over the phone. From there, your insurer appoints a claim representative.

What to Expect Afterwards

According to WalletHub, any Odessa insurance company has a complete total of 35 business days in which they have to pay your legitimate claim. The company is given 15 business days to acknowledge the claim, and then give you the paperwork necessary to move the process forward. The company is then given another 15 days to approve or deny the claim. Once the claim is approved, the company is then given 5 business days to pay a legitimate claim.

It’s safe to say that no one likes dealing with insurance and moving through the claims process can provide its own special type of headaches. Just keep in mind it is a process, and the more prepared you are, the easier the process will be. For example, the company may extend the payment timeline by asking for more proof of damage. However they are not permitted to draw out the payment process. This is known as acting in “bad faith”, and is illegal according to Texas Insurance Codes. If you feel you’re being taken advantage of in this way, you should consult with an experienced Odessa attorney.

What Is an Auto Insurance Claim?

Auto insurance claims involve requesting compensation from an auto insurer after an accident. Car accidents are incredibly stressful, especially if there are uncooperative responsible parties. However, your insurer’s job is to work on your behalf to secure compensation for repairs, injuries and other expenses.

What Do You Do After a Car Accident?

The Texas Department of Transportation implores every resident of Odessa to remain calm if you find yourself in an auto accident. Heightened emotions can cause you to make bad decisions. You should never flee the scene of the accident. This is illegal and will only make the situation more difficult. Always try to pull your car to the side of the road and stay on the scene. Check yourself for injuries, and check others as well. Take down as much information as you can, both from those involved and any bystanders that may be nearby.

Make certain to give your statement to the officer from the Texas State Police or the Odessa Police Department officer that arrives on the scene. Or if you prefer, you can give your statement online. Once you have finished at the scene you should immediately contact your insurance provider and alert them to the accident. Be sure to share with your provider all the information you obtained. This could help with your claim.

Auto Claims Adjuster

Your auto insurance company will assign a claims adjuster to your claim report. Your adjuster acts as your representation in any mediation between you and all other involved parties. This insurance representative bears responsibility for investigating the claim and seeing that you receive compensation for any repairs or injuries.

Whether there are repair claims, personal injury claims, or you are dealing with someone who does not have insurance, your auto insurance adjuster should see you through the process. Your claims adjuster may recommend a garage to handle your vehicle repairs. They may also make arrangements for a rental vehicle if required. The most important thing to note is that your auto claim adjuster is your primary point of contact regarding the status of your claim in Odessa.

Health Insurance Claims

Odessa, Texas policyholders file health insurance claims when they seek reimbursement for medical services or treatments. When you obtain a medical service from a provider, your health insurance carrier should become notified directly. If there are any discrepancies in your claim, consider hiring a health insurance claim specialist attorney.

How Do You File a Health Claim in Odessa, Texas?

There are two ways to file a health insurance claim on your behalf. The first is the medical facility notifies your insurer for you. You may be able to walk out of the facility without spending anything, but that depends on your policy. The other way is to file a health insurance claim yourself. Taking this route can occur when a health provider you use is not in your provider network. The facility may still file the claim on your behalf, but you may need to file it yourself.

Community Health Choice provides an online guide for residents of Odessa that are seeking to file a health insurance claim on their own behalf. You may have to file a claim on your own behalf if you receive treatment or services outside your network. But, you should always make certain to check with your healthcare provider. Generally you will receive an itemized bill detailing the services provided for you, and the total for those services.

After this, you should make certain that a healthcare provider, or insurance company, does not attempt to give you a “surprise medical bill”. This is generally an unexpected balance bill, when an insurance provider is supposed to cover a cost, but kicks the cost back to you. The Texas Department of Insurance states that Odessa residents are protected from surprise medical bills. If you receive such a bill, contact an experienced attorney in Odessa.

Work with an Experienced Local Insurance Lawyer in Odessa, Texas.

If your health insurance provider refuses to honor a claim, seek out a qualified Odessa insurance claim attorney’s help. An insurance claim attorney can help if you have been improperly denied coverage or sent a bill for a service you never received. We can even help you connect with an attorney across Texas state lines.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!

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