After a fire damages your home or business, one of the most frustrating things a policyholder can hear from their insurance company is: “Your claim is not covered.” You’ve paid your premiums, followed the rules, and now—when you need help the most—you’re told that your fire damage doesn’t qualify for compensation.
If your insurer claims that your fire loss is not covered, don’t assume they’re right. Coverage denials can be challenged, especially when they are based on misinterpretations of your policy, bad faith tactics, or incomplete investigations.
At Barrett Law, PLLC, Jonathan Barrett, a dedicated Mississippi fire insurance claim lawyer, helps policyholders throughout the state fight back against wrongful fire claim denials and lowball settlements.
Common Reasons Insurance Companies Say Fire Damage Isn’t Covered
Insurance companies use many justifications to deny fire damage claims. Some may be legitimate—but many are disputed or outright incorrect. Common reasons include:
1. Alleged Policy Exclusions
Your insurer may claim that your fire damage falls under a policy exclusion such as:
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Intentional or fraudulent acts (e.g., arson by the policyholder).
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Negligence or failure to maintain the property.
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Vacancy exclusions (if the property was vacant for a certain period).
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Wear and tear or pre-existing damage, not directly caused by the fire.
Not all exclusions are enforceable. A skilled attorney can determine whether the exclusion applies legally and factuallyto your situation.
2. Disputes Over the Cause of the Fire
Insurers may try to avoid payment by disputing the origin or cause of the fire. They may allege that the fire:
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Was set intentionally.
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Resulted from faulty wiring, appliance misuse, or code violations.
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Was caused by an uninsured risk, such as an act of God (if not covered).
This is why official fire department reports, third-party investigations, and expert opinions are crucial in pushing back.
3. Lapse in Coverage
Insurers might argue your policy was:
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Not in force at the time of the fire due to missed payments.
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Canceled or suspended for non-compliance with inspection requirements.
Even if the insurer says your policy lapsed, it may still be legally contestable, especially if you never received proper notice.
4. Incomplete or Inaccurate Claims
Sometimes claims are denied for technicalities, such as:
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Filing past the deadline.
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Missing documentation.
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Not submitting a proof of loss statement.
Even if a denial is technically valid, it may still be challenged based on the insurer’s failure to properly assist you or provide timely notice.
5. Arson Allegations
Insurers frequently accuse the policyholder of arson as a way to deny a fire damage claim. These are serious accusations—and they often come with little proof.
If your insurer is accusing you of intentionally causing the fire:
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Do not speak to the insurer without legal representation.
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Obtain a copy of the fire department report.
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Contact a fire insurance attorney immediately.
Steps to Take if Your Fire Damage Claim Is Denied for “No Coverage”
1. Request a Written Denial Letter
Mississippi law requires your insurer to explain claim denials in writing. Ask for:
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A copy of the denial letter.
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A detailed explanation of the policy provisions being cited.
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Any evidence they relied on in making the decision.
2. Review Your Insurance Policy
Carefully examine your policy to determine:
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What is actually excluded.
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What is covered under your dwelling, personal property, and ALE provisions.
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Whether your insurer is misrepresenting the scope of coverage.
Policies are often written in vague or confusing language. An attorney can analyze the contract and determine whether the insurer’s interpretation is valid.
3. Collect Evidence to Support Your Claim
If your insurer is disputing coverage, provide:
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Fire department and police reports.
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Photos and videos of the damage.
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Statements from witnesses or contractors.
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Proof that the fire was accidental and not intentional.
Documentation may prove the true cause of the fire and discredit the insurer’s reasoning.
4. File an Internal Appeal
Most insurance companies have a process for internal appeals or reconsideration. Provide:
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A letter explaining your disagreement.
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Evidence that contradicts their reason for denial.
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A timeline of events, including all communications.
5. File a Complaint with the Mississippi Insurance Department
If your appeal fails, you can file a formal complaint with the Mississippi Insurance Department. They will review:
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The insurance company’s handling of your claim.
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Whether the denial violates state law.
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Any patterns of unfair claims practices.
6. Contact a Fire Insurance Claim Attorney
When your claim is wrongfully denied, legal action may be necessary. A skilled attorney can:
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Review your policy and denial letter.
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Challenge the insurer’s interpretation of exclusions.
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File a lawsuit for breach of contract and bad faith if necessary.
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Seek full compensation plus punitive damages, where appropriate.
At Barrett Law, PLLC, we have recovered significant compensation for Mississippi clients who were wrongly denied for fire-related claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my insurance company misapplied an exclusion in my policy?
Insurers sometimes misread or misrepresent exclusions to avoid paying. A lawyer can challenge the exclusion’s validity.
Can I get coverage if I didn’t know the fire cause?
Yes. As long as the fire was accidental and not intentional, coverage generally applies—even if the exact cause is unknown.
Does arson automatically void my coverage?
Not necessarily. The insurer must prove you caused the fire intentionally. If they can’t, they may be acting in bad faith.
Is it too late to fight a denial from last year?
In Mississippi, you generally have three years from the date of loss to file a lawsuit for bad faith or breach of contract.
Can I sue my insurance company for denying a valid claim?
Yes. Mississippi law allows you to sue for breach of contract and bad faith, and recover full compensation plus damages.
Denied for “No Coverage”? Call Mississippi Fire Insurance Claim Attorney Jonathan Barrett 24/7/365 at (601) 790-1505 for Your FREE Consultation
If your fire damage claim was denied based on a claim of no coverage, don’t give up. At Barrett Law, PLLC, we represent fire loss victims across Mississippi and challenge wrongful denials. We’ve helped countless homeowners and businesses recover what they were owed under their policies.
📞 Call us now at (601) 790-1505 for a free consultation—available 24/7/365. We serve clients throughout the state, including Jackson, Gulfport, Southaven, Hattiesburg, Biloxi, Olive Branch, Tupelo, Meridian, Madison, Oxford, Clinton, and beyond.
