Investing in a commercial building is a huge investment. That is why owners of commercial buildings take the extra step to purchase a commercial property insurance plan to ensure that their investment is safe. What is covered under that commercial property insurance policy will depend on the specifics of the contract. Often a basic form policy will protect businesses from risks such as fire, windstorms, vandalism or sinkholes.
Damage to your commercial property could destroy your livelihood, so it is important your insurer promptly covers your valid claim. Unfortunately, not all insurance companies act in good faith. Despite having paid your premiums regularly, some insurers will not keep their promise and fail to pay your covered claim. Do not let your insurance company deny you the full value of your claim. Contact an experienced commercial property insurance claim lawyer to determine the coverages available to you under your commercial property policy.
Commercial Property Insurance Claims Attorney in The Woodlands, Texas
Insurance companies must treat their policyholders in good faith and follow the rules set forth in the Texas Insurance Code. If your insurance company is disputing or denying a claim covered under your policy, then they could be held liable for damages. To learn more about your legal options, contact The Woodlands property insurance claim lawyers at LeMaster Law Firm.
The attorneys at LeMaster Law Firm are experienced at negotiating and litigating insurance claims. We can evaluate your case to determine whether you have coverage under your policy for your loss and formulate a plan to ensure you receive the benefits owed to you under your commercial property policy. Book your first appointment today by calling LeMaster Law Firm at 832-356-7983. We practice throughout the greater The Woodlands and Montgomery County area including Conroe, Montgomery, Magnolia, Willis, Dallas, Houston, Pine Hurst, Porter Heights and Patton Village.
Information Center:
- What Does Commercial Property Insurance Cover?
- Can I Sue My Insurance for Denying My Claim?
- Local Civil Court Resources in Montgomery County, Texas
- Insurance Resources for Business Owners in Montgomery County
What Does Commercial Property Insurance Cover?
Every insurance policy covers different risks. Generally commercial property insurance policies provide coverage for the commercial building as well as the contents. There are three types of commercial property insurance coverage Texas insurers offer to policyholders: basic, broad and special form policy. Listed below is a brief explanation of each commercial property coverage type offered in Texas.
- Basic Form Policy – Most business owners will purchase a standard policy, known as a basic form policy. This type of coverage plan will typically cover the following:
- Hail
- Riot and civil commotion
- Volcanoes
- Lightning
- Vehicle and aircraft collisions
- Fire
- Windstorms
- Smoke
- Vandalism
- Sprinkler leaks
- Explosions
- Broad Form Policy – Policyholders can also purchase a more encompassing form of coverage under a basic form policy. This type of policy allows the policyholder to recover from all risks listed in the basic policy and additional risks such as damage caused by falling objects, leaking appliances, structural collapses, and weights of ice, sleet, and snow.
- Special Form Policy -This type of policy provides the most coverage out of the three. Essentially, a special form policy covers all causes of loss except for those specifically listed as exclusions. Often a special form policy will exclude flood damage, earth movement, damages from war, nuclear disaster, wear and tear or insects/vermin.
What is not covered under a commercial property insurance will ultimately depend on the specifics of the policy. Not all policies are the same, but most standard commercial property insurance policies will exclude flood damage.
Can I Sue My Insurance for Denying My Claim?
Insurance exists to help the policyholder recover from their losses. When your insurance company is not upholding its duties and denies your covered claim, then you could hold them liable in court. In fact, the ability to sue your insurance provider is actually one of your legal rights as a policyholder. Some situations that may warrant civil action against an insurance company include:
- Refusal to pay a covered claim;
- Failure to accept or deny a claim in a timely manner;
- Not providing coverage on the basis that other coverage may be available;
- Refusing to pay a claim or increase premiums because of the policyholder’s race, religion, gender or other characteristics.
Local Civil Court Resources in Montgomery County, Texas
Montgomery County District Courts – The civil court division where $200 at least is being disputed or claimed in damages can be found at the Montgomery County District Courts. Access their site to find learn the docket, rules of the court, their local law library and more.
Montgomery County Clerk – All documents and filings are handled by the Court Clerk of Montgomery County. Access their site to request important paperwork, search up a civil case record, file your claim or other relevant information.
Texas Insurance Code – Texas rules and regulations related to insurance law can be located under the Insurance Code. Access the statutes to learn what Texas determines to be a bad faith practice, policyholder’s rights, and the deadlines for filing a claim against your insurer.
Texas Department of Insurance – The Texas Department of Insurance oversees all insurance companies and ensures they are following the rules and regulations set forth under the Insurance Code. Insurance companies who violate those rules are subject to actions from the disciplinary board. The department also oversees the administration of the Texas worker’s compensation system under the Texas Labor Code.
Insurance Resources for Business Owners in Montgomery County, Texas
U.S. Small Business Administration | SBA – Visit the official website for the Small Business Administration, which is a cabinet-level federal agency dedicated to helping small businesses succeed. Access their site to read their business guides, helpful articles on business insurance, and use their learning center to answer your insurance related questions.
The Balance Small Business – Visit the official website for The Balance Small Business, a place whose mission is to give small business owners the tools they need to be successful through education. Access the site to read their helpful articles about the different types of business insurance available to entrepreneurs and businesses.
Texas Economic Development | Small Business Resources – Visit the official website for the Texas Economic Development to find helpful resources and tricks for small business owners. Access the site to learn about how insurance and creating a business go hand in hand.
Consumer Rights for Commercial Property Insurance – Visit the official website to learn your rights as a consumer when you file a claim with your insurance company. Access the site to learn what insurance companies must do if a claim is denied, approved, delayed, or if the insurer suspects the claim might be because of a fire.
Insurance Information Institute (III) – Visit the official website for the Insurance Information Institute (III), a trusted source of unique, data-driven insights on insurance so they can inform and empower policyholders. Access their site to read their informative articles, visit their weekly blog, and review their data regarding insurance.
United Policyholders | UP – Visit the official website for the non-profit organization known as the United Policyholders. Access their site to learn about their programs such as Roadmap to Recovery and Advocacy and Action, as well as their helpful resources and guides for consumers.
Insurance Lawyer for Small Businesses in Montgomery County, Texas
If your insurance company has wrongly denied or underpaid a claim covered under your policy, then consult an small business insurance attorney in The Woodlands at LeMaster Law Firm. Ms. Ahmed and Ms. LeMaster of LeMaster Law Firm will work tirelessly to ensure you recover the benefits that your are entitled to under your commercial property policy.
Set up a case evaluation by calling the attorneys at LeMaster Law Firm at 832-356-7983. Both Ms. LeMaster and Ms. Ahmed accept clients throughout the greater Montgomery County area including The Woodlands, Dallas, Conroe, Willis, Magnolia, Splendora, Houston and Pinehurst.
