california insurance
House burned down and insurance company is trying not to honor recently updated policy?
<p>Back in November my home burned down in the Camp Fire in Norther California.  A few days before the house burned down I updated my policy to have a lower deductible and more coverage.  Now that it is time to pay out for the loss, my insurance company is saying that since "the event had already begun" when I made the changes they will not honor the terms of the newer policy.</p>

<p>I have a declaration page that clearly states that my coverage is in effect a day or two before my home burned down.  I had already paid for the improved coverage and was told during my phone call that the changes would take effect immediately.</p>

<p>Can they legally do this?  </p>

<p>Also - they are now requesting that I have a "recorded phone call" with them to discuss which policy will be in effect.  I would like to be as prepared as possible for this phone call and would obviously like an outcome in my favor.  Are there things that I should avoid saying or things that I should do to prepare for this phone call?</p>

<p>Thanks for any help</p>

<p>Probably time to talk to a lawyer. Take a look at <a href="https://lsnc.net/camp-fire-butte-county-resources" rel="nofollow noreferrer" title="Camp Fire Butte County Resources | Legal Services of Northern California" >Camp Fire Butte Resources | Legal Services of Northern California.</a> You should have a lawyer to determine if there are clauses in your policy that nullify the declaration page in certain instances, how the insurance company determined if and when the fire event started, etc. </p>

<p>Lawyers at LSNC will likely have experience with your insurance company, and may have shortcuts in terms of direct contacts with the company. LSNC can advise you on even if you should do the phone call; the insurance company may try to get you to admit discrepancies or otherwise damage your own case. And if LSNC advises you that it is OK to do the call, they can tell you how to prepare. LSNC can also advise you if and when to consider pursuing court action if the insurance company does not want to settle the claim.</p>
