Renter's Insurance Dispute Attorneys in Louisiana
Protecting Your Personal Property When Disaster Strikes
If you rent your home or apartment, you likely purchased a renter’s insurance policy to protect yourself. You paid your premiums on time, trusting that if a fire, hurricane, or theft occurred, you would be compensated.
Many renters are shocked to learn that their landlord’s insurance policy does not cover their personal belongings.
The landlord covers the building; you are responsible for everything inside it. If your insurance company is now refusing to pay your claim, or arguing that your destroyed items are worth pennies, the Berniard Law Firm can help you fight back.
What Renter's Insurance Should Cover
1. Personal Property Replacement
This pays to replace items damaged or destroyed by a covered event (fire, smoke, water, theft). This includes:
- Electronics (TVs, computers, consoles)
- Furniture and appliances
- Clothing and jewelry
- Household goods
2. Loss of Use (Additional Living Expenses)
If your rental unit becomes uninhabitable due to damage, your policy should pay for your Additional Living Expenses (ALE). This covers costs over and above your typical living expenses, such as:
- Hotel bills or temporary rental costs.
- Restaurant meals because you don’t have a kitchen.
- Moving costs if you are forced to relocate during repairs.
How Insurance Companies Underpay Renters
Insurance companies frequently deny renter’s claims because they believe renters are less likely to fight back. Their goal is to keep your premiums, not pay your claim.
We have seen every trick in the book, especially following major disasters like Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Common tactics include:
- “Repair vs. Replace”: Arguing that smoke-damaged furniture or water-logged electronics can simply be “cleaned” rather than replaced.
- Depreciation: Claiming your expensive items are old and virtually worthless, offering you a fraction of what it costs to buy new ones.
- The “Exclusion” Game: Trying to convince you that the specific type of water damage or theft you experienced is excluded from your policy.
We Level the Playing Field
The Berniard Law Firm has extensive experience helping renters receive fair compensation. Our attorneys have worked with corporate counsel, risk managers, and public adjusters to navigate the complex claims process.
If your insurance company is denying your claim or refusing to pay for your hotel stay, we can help you gather the necessary evidence to prove your loss. We maximize your coverage and minimize the “exclusions” the company tries to use against you.
Speak With a Renter's Insurance Attorney Today
You paid for full protection; do not settle for less.
Call us at (504) 521-6000 to speak with a Berniard Law Firm attorney about your dispute. You can also complete our contact form, and we will contact you within 4 hours.
No Cost Unless We Win. All initial consultations are free, and we handle cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we win a settlement or court award for you. Call today to get the compensation you deserve.