Posted on October 21, 2024
ICHQ | Site Author
Did your property sustain damage in a storm or another covered peril? If so, you should file a property damage claim with your insurance company as soon as possible. After all, you pay your premiums—and your insurance company should be there to provide financial help when you need it. Unfortunately, property insurance claims are challenging. Too many policyholders make mistakes that lead to the delay or denial of their benefits. At Insurance Claim HQ, we want to make sure that you have the tools, knowledge, and resources to get your claim paid in a timely manner. Here, our New Orleans property damage lawyer highlights the top mistakes to avoid when filing a claim.
Seven Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Property Damage Insurance Claim
Mistake #1: Failing to Provide Immediate Notice to Your Insurance Company
When disaster strikes, it can be overwhelming. You will undoubtedly have a lot on your mind—and reaching out to your insurance company might not be your first thought. As understandable as that is, waiting too long to take action is a big mistake. Your insurance policy will contain a clause explaining that you need to provide notice of covered damage to the company in a timely manner. Make sure you refer to the policy language to determine the specific deadline for notice.
As a general rule, it is best to notify your homeowner’s insurance company or commercial property insurance company as soon as possible. Delaying reporting can lead to complications with your claim. By informing your insurer immediately, you complete the first step in the process. It sets the claims process in motion—and ensures that you are following policy requirements. Remember, you do not need all the details at this point in the process. Simple notice that suspected covered damage has occurred is sufficient.
Mistake #2: Not Securing a Copy of Your Coverage and Reviewing the Policy
Do you have a copy of your insurance coverage? You should. As a best practice, you should keep a hard copy and an electronic copy.
While understanding your insurance policy might feel daunting, it is essential to effectively navigate your claim. Not having a copy of your coverage on hand can leave you unaware of your rights and responsibilities. By securing and reviewing your policy, you empower yourself with knowledge about what is covered and any specific procedures you need to follow. Not sure where your copy is located? You can call up your insurance company and ask for a new version. Further, if you do not understand key terms/implications, an experienced New Orleans property insurance lawyer can help.
Mistake #3: Failing to Thoroughly Document Property Damage
Your property damage should be comprehensively documented. After a major storm or other covered loss, it is easy to overlook details.
Unfortunately, it is a serious mistake. Failing to thoroughly document all the damage can lead to parts of your claim being denied or underpaid.
Along with other things, you should take the time to photograph and list all damaged items and areas. Keep records of any conversations and save receipts related to the damage. The more documentation that you have, the better positioned you will be to bring a successful claim.
Mistake #4: Not Mitigating Your Losses (Protect Your Property from Further Damage)
You have a general duty to mitigate your damages after sustaining a covered loss to your property.
Indeed, after your home or business has been damaged, it is crucial to prevent any additional harm.
Not taking steps to mitigate further damage can adversely affect your insurance claim. Some seemingly straightforward actions—things like covering broken windows, putting a strong tarp on a damaged roof, or removing water—can show your insurer that you are being responsible, proactive, and preventing damage. Remember, your safety comes first. If you are unsure about how to proceed, seek professional guidance and support. Still, you need to mitigate damages.
Mistake #5: Going Forward With Permanent Repairs On Your Own
Most people want to fix their property damage as soon as they possibly can. It is an understandable impulse. However, going forward with those repairs could be a big mistake. Although it might seem logical to jump into permanent repairs to restore your home to normalcy, proceeding without your insurance company’s approval can lead to major complications. Indeed, making permanent repairs before an adjuster assesses the damage may result in some losses not being covered. Temporary fixes to prevent further damage are usually acceptable and encouraged. You should keep your insurance carrier involved in the repair process. If you fail to do so, they could give them grounds to deny coverage for certain types of repairs.
Mistake #6: Not Carefully Tracking Your Additional Living Expenses
Additional living expenses may be covered by your property damage policy. If your home becomes uninhabitable, you may incur extra living expenses. Some of the most common examples include hotel bills, additional meal costs, and even things like laundry services.
Not keeping records of these costs can lead to difficulties in getting reimbursed. You should be sure to save all receipts and document every expense related to your displacement. Of course, managing these details can be taxing during an already extremely stressful time.
Still, careful tracking ensures you receive the compensation you’re entitled to under your policy’s additional living expense coverage.
Mistake #7: Not Consulting With an Experienced Homeowner’s Insurance Lawyer
Finally, one of the biggest mistakes that you can make is to try to take on a big insurance company alone. Insurance companies are massive corporations. They put a tremendous amount of resources into protecting their own best interests—and that means putting their bottom line above what is right for policyholders. Navigating a property insurance claim can be overwhelming. Not consulting with an experienced New Orleans homeowner’s insurance lawyer can leave you vulnerable. A top-rated attorney can advocate on your behalf, interpret policy language, negotiate with the insurance company, and take action to help you secure the maximum financial support.
Why Trust Our New Orleans Property Damage Claim Attorneys
Navigating the nuances of a property insurance claim is not easy—especially so if it is your first time filing one or if you have not filed one in many years. At Insurance Claim HQ, we provide solutions-focused guidance and support to homeowners and business owners. Our record of client testimonials and case results speak for themselves. We are here to help you avoid making mistakes.
If you already made a mistake, our team will work to fix things and set them right.
Schedule Your Free Case Review With Our New Orleans Property Damage Law Firm Today
At Insurance Claim HQ, our New Orleans property damage attorneys are prepared to go above and beyond to help you secure the best possible outcome. Our firm represents residential property owners and commercial property owners against insurance companies. Have any specific questions about filing a property damage claim? We are here to help. Contact us now for your free case evaluation. We handle property damage claims in New Orleans and throughout the entire region.
