Las Vegas homeowners face unique weather challenges in a city where powerful storms can appear suddenly. When these conditions damage your home, insurance companies often try a frustrating tactic: denying claims by blaming “poor maintenance” – even when the destruction clearly stems from extreme weather events.
Understanding bad faith denials
Strong winds, dust storms and sudden downpours can leave your property with damaged roof tiles, broken windows or clogged HVAC systems. Insurers might attempt to shift responsibility by pointing to “pre-existing conditions” or “lack of maintenance” as grounds for denial.
However, insurance companies must act in good faith when handling claims. Automatically blaming maintenance without proper investigation may constitute bad faith practices. If your home was well-maintained before a weather event caused damage, your insurer cannot dismiss your claim by citing “old age” without substantial evidence.
Protecting your property and rights
One way to protect your rights is to regularly document your property’s condition. Take photos and maintain detailed records whenever you conduct repairs. After storm damage occurs, immediate photo documentation and an independent contractor’s assessment can strengthen your claim.
Warning signs of insurance bad faith
Watch for concerning behaviors from your insurance company:
- Denying claims without proper inspection
- Ignoring evidence of storm damage
- Blaming “desert conditions”
- Delaying claim processing unexplained
These signs could indicate that your insurer might not be managing your claim fairly.
Fighting back against unfair denials
The desert climate does not give insurance companies a free pass to deny real storm damage claims. When you are facing unfair denial tactics, seeking legal guidance can help you understand your rights. An experienced insurance law attorney can assess your situation and help protect your interests.
