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Denied, underpaid or stalled claims.

A denial letter or a low check is not always the final word. A second, documented look tells you whether there is more to recover.

Chris calls back within 24 hours, and often the same day.

Why claims get denied or underpaid.

Often it comes down to what the insurance company documented, not what actually happened to the property.

  • “Wear and tear” or “pre-existing”

    Storm damage written off as age or maintenance. Clear documentation of when and how the damage happened can change that.

  • A scope that is too narrow

    One slope, one wall or a handful of shingles, when the damage goes further.

  • Matching left out

    Repairs that would leave mismatched roofing or siding, when the policy may require more.

  • Code items missing

    Work that local code requires when the repair is done, left off the estimate.

  • Areas never inspected

    Back elevations, garages, other structures and interior damage that never made it into the report.

  • Priced as standard

    Premium and specialty materials priced as if they were the base product.

How we help, step by step.

  1. Review what you have

    The denial or settlement letter, the insurance company estimate, your photos and the policy if you have it.

  2. Re-inspect and document

    Measured, photographed and itemized, so the claim reflects the whole loss.

  3. Reopen or supplement the claim

    We present the documented claim to the insurance company and handle the back and forth.

  4. Appraisal, if it makes sense

    If you and the insurance company still disagree on the amount, many policies allow appraisal. It is explained below.

  5. Stay through final payment

    We stay on the claim through the final check, including recoverable depreciation and any supplements.

How appraisal works.

Many property policies include appraisal, a process for settling a disagreement about the amount of a loss without going to court. Every policy words it differently, so the details depend on yours.

  • It is about the amount, not coverage

    Appraisal settles how much the damage is worth. If the insurance company says the damage is not covered at all, appraisal usually does not apply.

  • Either side can request it

    The request is made in writing, and the policy spells out how and when.

  • Each side picks an appraiser

    You choose your own independent appraiser, and the insurance company chooses theirs.

  • The appraisers choose an umpire

    If the two appraisers cannot agree, the umpire decides. An agreement signed by any two of the three usually sets the amount.

  • Costs are shared

    Each side usually pays its own appraiser and splits the cost of the umpire. Your policy says for sure.

  • Where we come in

    We prepare the documentation the appraisers rely on, help you decide whether appraisal makes sense, and work alongside the appraiser you choose.

Already paid or closed? Ask anyway.

Claims that were already paid or closed can sometimes be reopened with new documentation. Policies set deadlines for disputes and lawsuits, so the sooner we look at it, the more options you have.

RCG is not a law firm and does not give legal advice.

Have us look at your denial or offer.

It costs nothing to find out whether there is more to recover.