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Theft

When there’s theft at your home, your expensive property is often simply gone. There might be little hope of recovery, with the stolen object at one of hundreds of pawn shops in the area. And, although you may report the incident to police, he or she probably will not get caught. Luckily, your property insurance policy likely covers theft.

Tampa Theft Insurance Lawyer

If your insurance attempts to deny your claim for theft or offers a settlement that is not satisfactory, the Tampa theft insurance lawyers at Germain Law Group can represent you. Our attorneys can fight the insurance companies who deny your claims, or negotiate with the insurance company to get a higher settlement. The insurance company doesn’t have the final say on the matter. Call us today at (813) 835-8888 to schedule a consultation to discuss your theft claim.

Germain Law Group represents people denied theft insurance claims in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Polk, Citrus, Sumter, Hernando, and surrounding counties.


Theft Insurance in Florida

Theft is one of the most basic claims that can be made on property insurance policies. Theft is usually one of the named perils in insurance policies, means it is listed specifically as something that the policy covers. If your policy does not specifically list theft, it may not cover any losses from theft.

Theft coverage could include burglaries or items stolen from around your property. It could cover jewelry, silverware, art, precious metals, guns, electronics and many other household items. Some items, like watercraft, are often excluded from theft insurance protection, but many companies offer an endorsement that allows these items to be covered.


Making a Theft Claim on Central Florida Property Insurance

When you discover theft, it’s important to act promptly. Document all evidence of a break-in, such as broken windows, broken door locks or other damaged property, with photos. Create a list of all missing items from the burglary. If you have an alarm, note whether it sounded. Collect any receipts you may have for the items stolen.

It’s also important to promptly call the police to investigate. The insurance company will likely request the police report if you make a claim for theft. Document when you called police. Ask that the officers include a list of all items stolen in their report.

Your Tampa property insurance lawyer can help you file your claim. You attorney can represent you on all matters to your insurance company and file a claim on your behalf.

It is important to refuse to sign any documents provided by your insurance company. You are not required to take settlements offered to you. Your lawyer can help you negotiate for more.


Denial of Tampa Theft Claims

Your insurance company may attempt to deny your theft claim. They may claim fraud — that you reported the item as stolen when it had not been in order to collect the insurance money. They may claim that the object was not covered by your policy. They may even argue that it’s somehow your fault that the item was stolen.

They also may dispute the value of the object, that it’s worth less than you claim, either by arguing that it’s in poorer condition, that the value had depreciated, or that it was worth less to begin with. They may try to offer a settlement that is far less than the true value of your stolen property.

In the face of a claim denial or a lesser settlement, your attorney can argue that you deserve an accurate amount for the policy you pay for. Your attorney can negotiate with your insurer and, if they fail to offer a satisfactory settlement, may even take them to court.


Germain Law Group | Central Florida Theft Claims Attorney

If you are facing difficulty with recovering on your insurance claim for theft, the Tampa theft insurance lawyers at Germain Law Group can fight for you. We will take on the insurance company and seek to maximize your settlement. Call us today at (813) 835-8888 to set up a consultation.