Top Ten Home Insurance Claims Pitfalls & How a Loss Adjuster Can Help
As proud homeowners, we always want to make sure that our homes are safe and secure for ourselves and our families. We rely on our home insurance policies to protect us from financial losses in case of any unexpected events. However, navigating home insurance claims can be a daunting task, with many pitfalls that can prevent us from getting full compensation for our losses. That's where a loss adjuster can help. In this blog, we will discuss the top ten home insurance claims pitfalls and how a loss adjuster can help you navigate them.
1. Not Understanding Your Policy Coverage
Many homeowners make the mistake of assuming they are covered for every damage to their homes, only to find out later that their policies have exclusions and limitations. A loss adjuster can review your policy and help you understand what is covered and what is not.
2. Filing Claims for Pre-Existing Damages
Submitting claims for damages that were already present before the policy started is considered fraud and can result in a claim denial or even policy cancellation. A loss adjuster can help you determine and document the date and extent of the damage.
3. Delaying Reporting of Claims
Home insurance policies require that losses should be reported as soon as possible. Delays in reporting can make it difficult to prove causation or extent of loss, and can result in a denied claim. A loss adjuster can help you document and report claims promptly.
4. Lacking Proper Documentation
Failing to provide adequate photographic and video evidence of your damaged property can hinder your claim process. A loss adjuster can help you preserve evidence, gather necessary documentation and present it to the insurance company.
5. Accepting Early Settlement Offers
The initial settlement offers from insurance companies are often lower than what policyholders are entitled to. A loss adjuster can help you understand the extent of your losses and negotiate a fair settlement.
6. Undermining Damage Severity
Understating the severity of the damage to your home can result in an undervalued claim settlement, leaving you with financial losses. A loss adjuster can help you assess the extent of damage and prove the losses to the insurance company.
7. Not Knowing the Applicable Statutes of Limitations
Each state has a statute of limitations beyond which the policyholder cannot make a claim. A loss adjuster can help you determine and make claims within the legal timeframe for your state.
8. Communication Gaps with the Insurance Company
Misunderstandings, missed communications, and lack of proper documentation can result in claim denials or low settlements. Loss adjusters can communicate with the insurance company on your behalf and avoid communication gaps.
9. Not Having Experts to Evaluate Losses
Home insurance claims often require experts to evaluate damages properly, for example, mold remediation professionals, engineers, and appraisers. A loss adjuster can help you connect with the right experts and ensure proper documentation of their findings.
10. Undervaluing the Claim Yourself
Finally, homeowners may not know the full extent of their losses and end up settling for less than what they are entitled to. A loss adjuster can help you accurately assess and claim the true value of your losses.
Conclusion
Navigating home insurance claims can be a bumpy ride, but with the help of a loss adjuster, you can avoid these pitfalls and get full compensation for your losses. If you are suffering from property damage and you're looking for a loss adjuster in Orlando, FL, Five Star Claims Adjusting can help. Contact us today to schedule a free inspection and get the expert help you need.
