Filing a Homeowner's Property Damage
Insurance Claim
Although nobody wishes for their property to get damaged, it is inevitable sometimes. Hence, the importance of getting one's property insured cannot be overemphasized. One of the causes of property damages in most parts of the world is weather conditions like hurricanes. When a storm happens, most homeowners are left with no other option than to vacate their property temporarily. As stated by Louis Law Group, a Florida-based Property Damage Insurance Claim Firm, places like Fort Lauderdale are known for unpredictable weather conditions, especially during the hurricane, and this can affect a homeowner's property.
If you find yourself a victim of property damage, before you start looking at a company that offers foundation repair in Kentucky to fix your property, there are certain things you would want to do as quickly as possible. In the same vein, it is advisable to avoid certain things, so you do not end up shooting yourself in the foot.
WHAT DO YOU DO IF YOUR HOME GETS DAMAGED?
- Let your homeowner's insurance company know as soon as possible. Once damage occurs to your property, you should not delay in reporting the property damage claim to your insurance company. Failure to do so within your contract's stated time limit could lead to the denial of your claim. Even if you would have to leave the premises of your property, it is still imperative you contact your insurance company as soon as you can.
- Once they have been notified, the claims process can then start. This is usually an extensive process that will require a lot of time and great attention to detail. This process would involve contacting your insurance company, an evaluation of the claim by your insurance company, and a resolution. Your insurance company would want to know your name, policy number, address, the type of claim, and how the damage happened.
- Take steps to secure the property and premises. Another thing you should plan on doing immediately after getting in touch with your insurance company is to secure the property and premises. How do you do this? Ensure that there are preventive measures to avoid additional damage and the sustaining of injuries by a third party.
- Take pictures and videos. Taking pictures and videos of your property immediately after damage is one crucial step you do not want to miss. This is because the photos and videos can serve as significant evidence in the case that your insurance company tries to prove difficult. These pictures and videos would show the actual state of your property after the damage and might be all you need to get yourself a fair settlement.
- Seek the services of a professional, such as Florida Home Claim. One of the things you would want to do after property damage is to seek the help of a Property Damage Insurance Claim Lawyer. Despite your insurance, you would be shocked that you might not get a deserving settlement without the services of a lawyer. Usually, insurance companies try to reduce the claim of homeowners when their property is damaged. One of their strategies is to claim that the damage resulted from the homeowner's negligence when it was due to certain weather conditions. In such situations, the lawyer would present the claim so that the insurance company could deny the claim.
WHAT SHOULDN'T YOU DO AFTER PROPERTY DAMAGE?
- Do not repair anything. One of the things you want to avoid after property damage is the repair of the property. At least not before you have contacted your insurance company, and they have evaluated the damage. This is because, after the repair, the insurance company can reject your claim. After all, your property did not look damaged as you claimed when they got to the scene.
- Don't dispose of anything. Another thing you should not attempt after property damage is the disposal of items. Leave your house exactly the way it was when the damage occurred. You can consider throwing things away when the damage has been examined and evaluated.
- Do not assume you have to use the services of the insurance company's adjuster. One common mistake homeowners tend to make after property damage is to assume that they have to use the services of the insurance company's adjuster. The representative of your insurance company does not have your best interest in mind. Their job is to resolve to a settlement that would pay the insurance company and not you. Thus, you should not hesitate to get yourself a lawyer to help you get fair compensation.
Property damage is one of the most catastrophic events a person can go through as it not only ruins the home but breaks the spirit. Hence, you should not compound things by trying to claim your settlement on your own without the help of a lawyer.