Serving South Carolina & North Carolina
Property Damage
Did You Know?
- Insurance companies in South Carolina and North Carolina are required by law to handle claims in good faith – denying, delaying, or underpaying a valid claim without a legitimate reason may constitute bad faith, and your insurer can be held accountable for it.
- Your insurance policy is a legal contract. If your insurer is not honoring it, you have the right to challenge their decision and pursue the full compensation you are owed.
- Most people accept their insurance company’s first offer without knowing they can dispute it. A lowball settlement on a property damage claim can leave you thousands of dollars short of what it actually costs to repair or replace what you lost.
property damage lawyer
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do if my insurance company denied my property damage claim?
A denial is not the end of the road. Insurance companies are required to provide a legitimate reason for denying a claim, and that reason can be challenged. An attorney can review your policy, evaluate the denial, and take action to force your insurer to honor the contract you paid for.
What does it mean if my insurance company is acting in bad faith?
Bad faith occurs when an insurer unreasonably denies, delays, or underpays a valid claim without a legitimate basis. Both South Carolina and North Carolina have laws that protect policyholders from bad faith practices. If your insurer is acting in bad faith, you may be entitled to compensation beyond the original claim — including attorney fees and additional damages.
My insurance company made me an offer but it is not enough to cover my damages. What are my options?
You are not required to accept the first offer. Insurance companies routinely make low initial offers hoping claimants will take them without question. An attorney can document the full extent of your damages, dispute the valuation, and negotiate a settlement that actually reflects what it costs to repair or replace your property.
How long does an insurance company have to respond to a property damage claim?
Both states have laws governing how quickly insurers must acknowledge, investigate, and resolve claims. In South Carolina, insurers must acknowledge a claim within 15 days and resolve it within 45 days in most cases. North Carolina has similar requirements. If your insurer is dragging its feet beyond these timeframes, that delay may itself be a bad faith violation.
What types of property damage claims does this cover?
Property damage claims can involve your home, vehicle, business, or personal belongings. Common situations include storm and flood damage, fire damage, auto accidents, vandalism, and theft. If your insurer is disputing, delaying, or underpaying any of these claims, an attorney can help you fight back.
Can I sue my own insurance company for not paying my claim?
Yes. If your insurer has breached your policy or acted in bad faith, you can take legal action against them. This is true whether the dispute involves a homeowner’s policy, auto policy, or commercial property policy. An attorney can evaluate your situation and advise you on whether litigation is the right path forward.
Do I need a lawyer to dispute a property damage claim?
You are not required to have one, but going up against an insurance company without legal representation puts you at a significant disadvantage. Insurers have adjusters, attorneys, and resources dedicated to minimizing what they pay out. An attorney levels the playing field and ensures your claim is taken seriously from the start