What Does and Doesn’t Matter When Filing an Insurance Claim
The fact that you’ve been paying homeowner’s insurance for a long time doesn’t mean you’re going to feel confident when the time comes to file a claim. Many homeowners worry that their claim will be denied, even after years of loyal payment. As public adjusters in West Los Angeles, we have can help guide you through the process. The following list will help you get a handle on what does and doesn’t matter when filing an insurance claim.
Does:
It does matter if you’ve thoroughly examined the full text of your insurance policy before you file. Your policy will include your coverage amounts, which is important to know when filing a claim. When you know exactly what your policy covers, you’ll be able to insist on fair compensation.
Doesn’t:
Although it sounds harsh, it doesn’t matter that you’ve always paid your premium on time. Individuals at your insurance company may acknowledge your loyalty and be very sympathetic to your situation, but ultimately the company’s primary directive is staying in business.
Does:
If the damage to your home is the result of a crime, such as a burglary, it’s important that you report the problem to your local authorities. You’ll want to get a police report and the names of all law enforcement officers that you speak with. This information could become necessary later, particularly if there is a dispute regarding your claim.
Doesn’t:
If you have a policy, but the policy doesn’t specifically cover the cause of your property damage, your insurance company cannot help you. Your insurance won’t compensate you for damage that resulted from events they do not explicitly cover.
Does:
It’s important to tell the insurance company only what you saw with your own eyes. Be as specific as possible when stating what you’ve witnessed, and don’t ever guess or make up a story to try and explain how the damage occurred to your home. Not knowing is always better than giving inaccurate information.
Doesn’t:
Your status as a loyal customer for decades may be important to you, but the truth is it won’t have any effect on how your insurance company handles your claim. You have to look out for your interests and your home by making sure all quotes are accurate.
Does:
Keep track of all the people, contractors, and adjusters who visit your home. It is your right to bring your own adjusters and contractors to evaluate your loss. Don’t assume that your insurance is looking out for your best interests and always get a second opinion from an unbiased third party.
For more information, check out our recent article on the 5 Things You Should Do Immediately When Faced with Water Damage.
Avner Gat, Inc. has over 17 years of helping home and business owners to get the settlements they deserve based on their terms of their insurance policies.
Not sure how to go about finding a public adjuster to handle your pending insurance claim. Learn more from our recent article “How To Choose a Public Adjuster?”
Ready to file your claim? Check out our tips on filing an insurance claim!
