When filing a homeowners’ insurance claim, you do not want to do anything that could harm your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve. Mistakes can lead to unnecessary delays when processing your claim or even result in a denial, worsening the already difficult situation.
Below are some of the common blunders you should be wary of when filing your homeowner’s insurance claim.
Failing to document the damage
While you are entitled to compensation for your losses, you must demonstrate their extent. It means thoroughly documenting the damage to your property before making any repairs or cleaning up.
Take detailed photos and videos and keep an inventory of what was damaged, including descriptions and approximate values, to avoid a lot of back and forth about the validity of your claim. Remember not to throw away any damaged items until an insurance adjuster has seen and inspected them.
Delayed reporting and filing of your claim
Waiting too long before informing your insurer of the property damage and filing a claim can lead to unintended complications. Your claim may be unsuccessful if you fail to meet specific deadlines outlined in your policy. It’s best to contact your insurance company as soon as you discover the damage to start the claims process and avoid deadline issues.
Failing to prevent further damage
Do not sit back and watch additional damage you can prevent occur to your property, thinking that the insurer will cover your losses. Failure to mitigate additional damage can jeopardize your homeowner’s insurance claim. It does not mean undertaking extensive repairs to your property; taking reasonable steps to prevent further damage is all you need to do.
Overlooking legal guidance
Recovering compensation for your homeowner’s insurance claim is not always a straightforward and smooth process. You may encounter hurdles during the claims process, like lowball offers or ambiguities in the policy language. Seeking qualified assistance can help protect your rights and represent your interests as an insured homeowner.
