Avoid Making These Mistakes When Filing a Home Insurance Claim
If you have a home insurance policy, you already eliminate the majority of the problems you will face when, say, a tornado blows off your roof. However, you’re not off the hook just yet.
Filing an insurance claim is often a straightforward process, and public adjusters of Florida can help you get the maximum settlement that you deserve. But some mistakes make it ten times harder for you to get coverage.
To ensure a smooth filing process, here are the mistakes you must avoid:
1. Not filing a claim
The biggest mistake you can make is not filing an insurance claim when there is a significant incident in your home.
For example, a tree falls on your house and manages to do minimal damage. You decide not to file an insurance claim and pay for the repairs yourself to avoid raising your premiums. However, the repair technician informs you that there is significant internal damage to your house, which will cost more than what you expected. By then, it may be too late for you to file a claim.
2. Filing a claim if you don’t need to
Sometimes, you are better off paying for the damages out-of-pocket than to file a claim with your insurer, especially if your deductible is larger than the repair costs. Doing this can increase your premiums in the future, and you will still have to pay the deductible before you can get a settlement. Instead of filing a claim right away, crunch the numbers and then decide it will be worth it.
3. Not notifying your insurance company immediately
This mistake applies to all insurance policies, including health, auto, home, and other types of coverage. If there is an accident or loss that might be covered by your insurance, make sure you notify your insurer right away.
Filing a claim beyond a reasonable amount of time after the incident may affect your settlement or disqualify you from coverage altogether. Moreover, there is a better chance of you getting the compensation you deserve when the evidence is fresh.
4. Failure to document properly
One of the most important things to do after an incident is to document it properly. For instance, if a fire destroys your kitchen, take plenty of pictures and videos once it is safe to do so. Write down in detail what happened while the memory is still fresh. Then, make sure you document every exchange you have with your insurance company regarding your claim.
Keep copies on file and make digital ones to store on your devices, just in case. Having proper documentation can help support your claim and dispute your settlement if necessary.
5. Not retaining damaged property
It’s tempting to clean up a burnt kitchen or remove the tree that went through your roof as soon as possible, but you should resist the urge to do so until a public adjuster inspects your property. Retain the evidence of damaged property to the best of your ability. That means if there is a hole in your roof or a missing window, it’s your obligation to protect the property from destruction.
Don’t make these mistakes when filing your home insurance claim. By avoiding these common slip-ups, you can get the proper settlement and make the process as smooth as possible.
