Mistakes To Avoid When Filing A Property Insurance Claim
Property damage and loss, whether from theft, accident, or other outside influences, is the reason why many people carry insurance. This is why it can be frustrating to have your claim overturned or not paid in full. You can help avoid this issue by making sure that you don't make any of the following mistakes.
#1: Skipping the police report
In cases of vandalism or theft, the first bit of paperwork you need to fill out is a police report. Depending on your municipality and the manner of the crime, an officer may come to your home to file a report, or you may have to go to the local police station to file the report, or you may be able to file a report online. Many insurance claims will not pay out for property crimes unless you have a case number or a copy of the report, so it is vital that you do this immediately following the crime. The officer will provide you with a copy of the report as well as the case number. Keep one copy for your records and send a second copy to the insurance company.
#2: Not recording any evidence
No matter how your loss occurred, it must be documented. Don't make the mistake of leaving all documentation to the claims adjuster your insurance company sends out. In some cases, they may not capture the full extent of the damage, or evidence of the damage could be lost. Take your own photographs or video, and write down a record of when and how the damage occurred, as well as any losses. If necessary, you can share copies of this with your insurance company, but make sure you keep all originals. You can talk with a service, like Advanced Building Assesment Inc., to see what kind of evidence can help your case.
#3: Putting off phone calls or meetings
Life is busy, but when it comes to an insurance claim, the clock is ticking. You need to call your insurance company as soon as you are aware of the damage, only pausing long enough to call the police if necessary. You will also need to respond to inquiries and fill out paperwork sent by your insurance promptly, since failure to do so could result in a denial of your claim. It is also a good idea to be available when the adjuster is scheduled to come out. Although some adjusters can work without you present, by being there you can make sure that all of the damage is fully recorded.
For more help with filing your property insurance claim, contact a professional.
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