The first thing one should do if they have an insurance claim is to contact an attorney. It is important to compile your insurance paperwork, including your insurance policy, amendatory provisions to your insurance policy and your declaration sheet showing applicable coverage.
It is important to consult with an attorney so that an attorney can explain your rights to you and help you preserve evidence. Under Michigan Law it is necessary to prepare a Proof of Loss, which usually must be turned in to your insurance company within sixty (60) days from the date of loss. By using an attorney you can be assured that your Proof of Loss will include all necessary items.
Insurance policies are complicated and not easy to understand. There are many different types of insurance policies offering different types of coverage. In order to preserve your rights and to maximize your recovery, it is imperative that you seek competent legal counsel to explain your rights to you.
If you have a question regarding a legal matter
in the state of
Michigan contact AAAA Legal Center by Phone or E-Mail
MAIL US
(E-Mail transmissions are not confidential)
Different types of insurance policies provide different types of coverage in the case of a loss. Some policies provide for replacement costs. This means that the person is entitled to replace a damaged article, or even a home, with a similar item and have the insurance company pay full value for it.
Often times insureds are unaware that they have replacement cost coverage or do not fully understand how to use these provisions which are found in many insurance policies. This is one of the reasons why it is important to consult with an attorney who can explain your rights to you and maximize your recovery.
Often times insurance adjusters will attempt to evaluate your claim by depreciating the value of an item. For instance, if your television set was damaged and it was five (5) years old the insurance adjuster would depreciate the value of your television and would not provide you with a full replacement value.
If you have a replacement value insurance policy you should be able to go out and purchase a new television set and have the insurance company reimburse you for the difference between the depreciated value and the replacement cost. The insurance company is usually under no obligation to pay replacement costs until you actually replace the item and submit a bill for the same.
It is important to reserve the right to seek replacement costs in your Proof of Loss. This is one of the things an experienced attorney will do for you.
If you have a question regarding a legal matter
in the state of
Michigan contact AAAA Legal Center by Phone or E-Mail
MAIL US
(E-Mail transmissions are not confidential)
Under Michigan fire and casualty law, it is necessary for an insured to submit a Proof of Loss within sixty (60) days from the date of loss. By using an attorney this period may be extended upon reaching an agreement with an insurance carrier to allow more time.
An experienced attorney can help you prepare a Proof of Loss and list all necessary items. In addition, there may be some items of loss which cannot be valued at the time the Proof of Loss is submitted. An attorney may be able to reserve certain rights in regards to these items.
One of the common mistakes is for persons to submit a Proof of Loss without the assistance of an attorney and leave out valuable items or not fully understand the coverage available and neglect certain rights. If you have a fire or casualty claim, it is important that you immediately contact an attorney to preserve your rights.
Keep in mind that you have sixty (60) days from the date of loss to submit a Proof of Loss. This sixty (60) day period will pass by quickly, especially if one has suffered a major catastrophe such as a fire in their home.
If you have a question regarding a legal matter
in the state of
Michigan contact AAAA Legal Center by Phone or E-Mail
MAIL US
(E-Mail transmissions are not confidential)