What Are Common Mistakes When Filing Homeowners Insurance Storm Damage Claims?
Although submitting a homeowners insurance claim following storm damage might be taxing, errors made during the submission could cause delays or even compromise your claim. Knowing frequent mistakes will help you stay clear of issues and guarantee that you get the pay you are due. Here are some common errors homeowners make while submitting claims for storm damage.
Delaying the Claim
One of the most often made mistakes is waiting too long to submit a claim. Get in touch with your insurance carrier right away once storm damage results. Most policies contain a window of time during which claims have to be notified; therefore, postponing could provide the insurer justification to reject your claim. Moreover, the more difficult it gets to present accurate documentation of the damage, the more you have to wait.
Not Recording the Damage Appropriately
Another serious error is not adequately recording the damage. Before any cleanup starts, you must first take thorough, clear pictures and videos of every impacted region. Should you clean or fix it before recording the damage, your claim may suffer. When working with an insurance adjuster, thorough documentation supports your case; it also offers visual evidence of how the storm damaged your home.
Undervaluation of the Damage's Scope
Some homeowners could ignore concealed damage or fail to take the whole influence of the storm into account. For instance, water damage in foundations or walls cannot be seen right away but can lead to long-term problems. Following a storm, you should have a professional look at your property to make sure all damage is found. Ignoring structural or underlying damage could result in later repair expenses not covered by your insurance claim.
Temporary Repair Without Insurance Approval
While covering broken windows or fixing leaks will help to prevent more damage, some homeowners make the error of doing complete repairs without receiving the approval of the insurance company. Many times, insurance companies must evaluate the damage personally; unauthorized repairs could cause sections of your claim to be denied. Before beginning any significant repairs, always ask your insurer.
Not Knowing Policy Exclusions
At last, a lot of homeowners do not completely know their insurance coverage, especially regarding what it covers and excludes. Standard home insurance, for example, usually does not cover flood damage, and other kinds of storm-related disasters could call for special coverage or have higher deductibles. Knowing the contents of your insurance will enable you to avoid submitting claims for uncovered damages.
Conclusion
Filing a successful storm damage claim requires careful attention to detail. Avoid common mistakes like delaying the claim, failing to document damage, underestimating the extent of the storm's impact, and making repairs without approval. Understanding your insurance policy and seeking professional advice when necessary can significantly improve the outcome of your claim.