Can a denied claim be reopened?

Often, yes. New evidence, a different reading of the policy, or proof that the insurer missed part of the loss can all reopen a file. Some policies and state laws set deadlines, so it is better to act early.

What does it cost if my claim was denied?

The review is free. If I take the claim, my fee is a percentage of what I recover (typically 15–25% residential, 10–15% commercial). If nothing is recovered, you owe nothing.

Do I need a lawyer or a public adjuster?

A public adjuster handles the claim itself: the damage, the scope, the pricing, and the negotiation. If the insurer acted in bad faith or the case heads to court, you need an attorney, and I will tell you if I think you do.

I already accepted a payment. Is it too late?

Not necessarily. Accepting a payment is not always a final settlement. Unless you signed a release, supplemental claims are often still possible.

Most property policies include an appraisal clause for disputes about the amount of loss. Each side picks an appraiser and an umpire decides. It resolves disagreements about how much, not about whether something is covered.

Do you handle claims outside California and Nevada?

Advising on a claim requires a public adjuster license in most states, so I work on California and Nevada claims only.

Insurance Claim Denied or Underpaid? | CA & NV Public Adjuster

Claim denied or lowballed? The insurer’s answer isn’t always the final one.

I spent 18+ years inside the insurance industry, as an engineer at FM Global and an underwriter at AFM and Travelers. I know how carriers justify a denial or a low number, and where those decisions are weak. Licensed public adjuster in California and Nevada.

CA Lic. #6002396 · NV Lic. #3852853 · Free claim review

Theft & vandalism · Denied claim

Insurer’s decisionDenied

Recovered$70,000+

Trespassers broke into the home, lived in it, and wrecked it before police removed them. The insurer denied the claim. Minalya challenged the denial and recovered the owner’s personal property losses.

$70,000+ personal property

Property damage · Custom high-end finishes

First offer$40,000

Recovered$175,000

The insurer priced custom Italian cabinetry and other high-end finishes as if they were standard materials. Minalya documented the true replacement cost of every finish and stayed on the claim until it was paid correctly.

$125,000 home repairs
$50,000 contents

Water damage · Family with two young children

Insurer paid$5,000

Recovered$90,000

A family with a 10-month-old and a 3-year-old spent months in one small hotel room after a water loss gutted their three-bedroom home. Their dog and cat were left in the damaged house. Minalya moved the family into comparable housing, found a place for the pets, and reopened the scope of the claim.

They had no contents coverage, which cost them about $30,000 more in belongings the policy could not pay for. A policy review before a loss catches gaps like this.

$70,000 home repairs
$20,000 living expenses

Results from past Minalya claims, shared without identifying details. Every claim is different, and past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Why property claims get denied or underpaid

Wear and tear or poor maintenance. The insurer says the damage was old, not caused by the event.

Gradual leak. Water damage is labeled long-term seepage, which many policies exclude.

Cause of loss disputed. The insurer blames an excluded cause, such as settling instead of a pipe failure.

Vacancy or occupancy clauses. Often raised after break-ins and vandalism.

Scope too small. Missing rooms, missing items, or cheaper materials than you actually had.

Heavy depreciation or living expenses refused or cut short.

What to do next

Get the decision in writing, with the exact policy language the insurer relies on.

Do not sign a release or cash a check marked “final” until you understand it.

Request a complete copy of your policy, including every endorsement. The declarations page alone is not enough.

Keep photos, receipts, damaged material samples, and every letter and email.

Get an independent review before deadlines pass.

Your rights in California and Nevada

In California, insurers must acknowledge a claim within 15 days and accept or deny it within 40 days of receiving proof of claim, under the state’s Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations. Nevada prohibits unfair claim settlement practices under NRS 686A.310. In both states you can file a complaint with the insurance regulator: the California Department of Insurance or the Nevada Division of Insurance.

Two ways I can help

Full representation

No upfront cost

I take over the claim: inspection, documentation, and every conversation with the insurer. Fee is a percentage of what I recover.

Claim consulting

From $500 flat fee

You keep handling the claim; I give you the strategy, the policy analysis, and the next letter to send. California and Nevada claims.

Claim denied or lowballed? The insurer’s answer isn’t always the final one.

Denied and lowballed, then paid

Why property claims get denied or underpaid

What to do next

Your rights in California and Nevada

Two ways I can help

Full representation

Claim consulting

Denied claim questions

Related help

Get a free review of your denied or underpaid claim