When your home suffers damage, filing an insurance claim should provide relief—but that’s not always the case. Many Connecticut homeowners face delays, denials, or settlement offers that don’t cover the full cost of repairs.
Since 1996, T.J. Morelli-Wolfe has helped homeowners in New London County and across Connecticut navigate property damage insurance claims. Whether the loss comes from ice dams, burst pipes, roof leaks, water intrusion, or hurricane-related wind damage, having experienced guidance can protect your rights and ensure your claim is handled correctly.
Call 860-859-9899 to schedule a free consultation.
Property damage insurance claims can arise from a variety of events. Our office represents homeowners in disputes involving:
Ice dam damage insurance claims
Burst and frozen pipe water damage claims
Roof leaks after snow, wind, or storms
Interior water intrusion and structural damage
Hurricane and tropical storm wind damage
Coastal storm and high-wind losses
Denied homeowner insurance claims
Delayed insurance claim payments
Underpaid property damage settlements
Disputes over scope of repair or replacement costs
Each property damage insurance claim depends on policy language, documentation, and how the insurer evaluates the cause and extent of the loss.
Filing a claim doesn’t automatically mean you’ll get a fair payout. Homeowners often encounter issues like:
Sometimes claims are denied outright, only partially approved, or paid at an amount that doesn’t cover the full cost of repairs.
If your claim has been denied, delayed, or underpaid, a consultation with an attorney experienced in Connecticut property damage insurance claims can help you understand your options and pursue a fair settlement.
Insurance companies claiming the damage was pre-existing
Disputes over maintenance or wear-and-tear issues
Policy exclusions that limit coverage
Estimates that are lower than contractor bids
Hidden or ongoing water damage that wasn’t fully documented
While hurricanes are rare in southeastern Connecticut, high-wind storms and tropical weather can cause roof, siding, and structural damage. Learn more about storm risks in Connecticut from FEMA
Hurricane and wind-related claims often involve disputes over:
Whether damage was caused by wind, rain, or pre-existing issues
Coverage limits for storm-related losses
Contractor vs. insurer repair estimates
Deductibles tied to named storms
Even if hurricane damage is uncommon, when it happens, timely documentation and legal guidance can make the difference in getting your claim fairly resolved.
Taking the right steps immediately can strengthen your claim:
Step 1
Take detailed photos and videos of all affected areas before making major repairs. This includes ceilings, walls, flooring, personal property, and any visible structural issues. Clear documentation is essential to support your claim.
Step 2
Do what you can safely to limit further damage. This may include placing containers under leaks, covering broken windows, or temporarily removing water. Insurers expect homeowners to mitigate losses, and documentation of these steps strengthens your claim.
Step 3
Save receipts for temporary repairs, contractor services, or emergency mitigation. These records prove the costs you’ve incurred to protect your property and can be reimbursed under your policy.
Step 4
Have licensed contractors provide written estimates for the necessary repairs. This helps ensure your claim reflects the full scope and cost of damage, making it harder for insurers to underpay.
Step 5
Write down when the damage occurred, when you noticed it, and every interaction with contractors or insurance representatives. A timeline provides clarity and evidence if disputes arise.
Step 6
Keep copies of all correspondence with your insurance company, including emails, letters, and notes from phone calls. This documentation helps protect your rights if the claim is disputed, delayed, or denied.
Proper documentation and prompt action are critical for claims involving ice dams, burst pipes, roof leaks, water damage, or hurricane-related losses. Following these steps improves your chances of a fair insurance settlement.
Disputes happen when the insurer questions:
The cause of loss
The extent of damage
The scope of necessary repairs
Whether repair estimates reflect replacement cost vs. actual cash value
The timing and completeness of notice and documentation
Insurance policies are contracts, and when coverage applies, benefits should be paid according to the policy terms.
Based in Norwich, Attorney Morelli-Wolfe represents homeowners throughout New London County and across Connecticut in property damage insurance claim disputes.
Whether your loss is caused by winter weather, frozen pipes, coastal storms, or hurricane-force winds, local knowledge and experience handling these claims can make a critical difference in the outcome.
If your Connecticut home was damaged by an ice dam, burst pipe, roof leak, hurricane, or storm event, call 860-859-9899 to discuss your situation with an experienced attorney.
Yes. We assist homeowners with property damage insurance claims for ice dams, roof leaks, and related water damage.
Many homeowner policies cover sudden, accidental water damage from burst pipes, but claims can be disputed if freezing or maintenance issues are involved.
A denial does not always mean the claim is over. Depending on your policy, documentation, and cause of loss, you may be able to challenge the decision or negotiate a better settlement.
Underpaid claims are common. Having contractor estimates, photos, and documentation can help justify the full cost of repairs.
Yes. We help homeowners with property damage insurance claims from hurricanes, tropical storms, and high-wind events, including roof, siding, window, and structural damage.
Timelines vary depending on the extent of damage and the insurer’s investigation. Delays are common and may warrant legal review.
If your claim is denied, delayed, underpaid, or involves significant structural or water damage, consulting an attorney can help protect your rights and improve the outcome.