Most people pay their insurance premiums on time, believing they’ll be covered when disaster strikes. However, when it’s finally time to file a claim, some policyholders are met with silence, stall tactics, or outright denials. The heartbreak of a home loss is bad enough. Fighting an insurer for the coverage you’re owed shouldn’t be part of the aftermath. Yet, for far too many Americans, that’s the reality.
According to a report, policyholder complaints related to claim delays, denials, and unsatisfactory settlements are among the most frequent grievances filed last year. Homeowners often face a maze of red tape, vague justifications, and shifting demands. Unless you know how to navigate the system or get help from someone who does, you can end up walking away with far less than what you’re rightfully owed. Galen M. Hair, founder of Insurance Claim HQ and a nationally recognized property insurance attorney, has made it his mission to protect people from that outcome.
The Tactics You Don’t See Coming
Insurance companies are not just in the business of paying claims – they’re also in the business of protecting their bottom line. That tension creates a scenario where many legitimate claims are treated with skepticism, delay, or outright rejection. Common tactics used to deny or undervalue claims include alleging that damage was pre-existing, claiming that documentation is falsified or insufficient, or accusing the policyholder of exaggerating the loss.
Sometimes, it’s even subtler than that. Adjusters may delay inspections for weeks or fail to include essential repairs in their estimates. Others will argue that the policy doesn’t cover the kind of damage listed – even if it clearly does.
For Galen, these tactics are more familiar and personal. He shares a story that continues to drive the work he does.
“I had a client, a senile woman in her 90s, whose house caught fire. The insurance company hardly paid for anything and put her through hell during litigation,” Galen recalls. “The company didn’t send anyone out to adjust the claim for quite some time. When they eventually did write an estimate, it was based on what they thought the claim was worth and lacked any real reasoning. We had to get a team of experts to testify about claims handling.”
Eventually, Galen and his team secured a significant bad faith settlement. However, the outcome wasn’t easy. It required time and relentless advocacy – something many people can’t access on their own.
How to Protect Yourself Before It’s Too Late
When disaster strikes, the last thing anybody wants to deal with is a denied insurance claim. That’s why Galen emphasizes one word above all: preparation.
That means taking detailed photos and videos of your property while it’s still intact. It means storing receipts for major purchases, saving communications with contractors, and backing up everything to the cloud. When you file a claim, the burden of proof is often on you. The more organized and thorough your documentation is, the less room insurers have to dispute your case.
It’s also wise to consider bringing in help early before the insurer sets the tone for your claim. A public adjuster can assess damage from your side, not the insurer’s. Their job is to represent your interests, not the company’s. If your claim is complex, undervalued, or dragging on without resolution, a property insurance attorney can step in to hold the insurer accountable.
At Insurance Claim HQ, Galen’s team works with policyholders across the country, helping them push back against unjust practices. Their website offers accessible resources, tips, and guides to help people understand their rights and options.
Making the System Work for You
With deep courtroom experience, Galen understands how to navigate disputes that many homeowners find challenging. His insights help clients feel prepared when facing insurers.
Whether it’s hurricane damage, fire, water leaks, or mold from a burst pipe, the financial and emotional fallout is already immense. Policyholders don’t need the added trauma of being gaslit by the very companies they trusted to protect them.
However, fair outcomes don’t happen by accident. They come from being prepared, knowing your rights, and not being afraid to ask for help.
This is especially true now, as more homeowners face the consequences of extreme weather, aging infrastructure, and rising insurance costs. Across the Gulf Coast and beyond, Galen’s team continues to educate, advocate, and represent those who find themselves in the insurance maze with no clear path out.
If your claim has been denied or if you want to avoid that fate altogether, the most important thing you can do is stay informed, be proactive, and never assume that a denial is the final word. With the right support, you can challenge injustice and secure the recovery you deserve.
About Galen M. Hair
Galen M. Hair, Managing Partner at Insurance Claim HQ, is a nationally recognized property insurance attorney known for aggressively representing policyholders across the U.S. With thousands of families helped and a reputation for high-stakes litigation wins, he has been named a Super Lawyers Rising Star and one of the National Trial Lawyers Top 100. Learn how to protect your property from disaster at www.insuranceclaimhq.com.
About Insurance Claim HQ
Insurance Claim HQ is a premier property casualty insurance law firm powered by Hair Shunnarah Trial Attorneys and headquartered in Metairie, Louisiana. With hundreds of millions recovered for thousands of clients, the firm brings years of legal experience and unmatched insight into how insurers operate. Discover how they fight for policyholders at www.insuranceclaimhq.com.