Home insurance allows you to protect your home and its valuable belongings. If damages occur due to fire, theft, or other covered perils, you will have to file a claim for the same. However, the claim filing process can seem somewhat complicated. Here's an in-depth look at some common mistakes to avoid during the
claims process.
1. Filing Multiple Small Claims
Filing several
small claims can lead to an increase in your premiums. If the damage to your home is relatively inexpensive, you may be better off handling the situation on your own.
2. Taking Action Prematurely
Once you file a claim, do not try to fix the damage. If you make any changes before the adjuster arrives, it may decrease the amount of money that you receive. Instead, let the adjuster survey the damage so that you can get a complete reimbursement.
3. Stalling on the Claim
Waiting too long to notify your insurance company is one of the biggest mistakes that you can make. Instead, contact them as soon as possible. The quicker they can assess the damage, the faster your home will be fixed. If your
home is damaged due to a natural disaster, don't wait because that will delay the repair process.
4. Getting Rid of Damaged Items
Even if the items are broken, the adjuster still needs to inspect them. That is the only way to ensure that you will be reimbursed for the items. Take inventory of the damaged items, including their brand names and model numbers.
5. Delaying Repairs
Some repairs are more urgent than others. For example, if you have a broken wall or roof, those damages require immediate attention. Therefore, make sure to fix the major issues first.
6. Failing to Keep a Record
Make your own list of damages so that you can quickly inform the insurance company if they missed anything. If your insurance company is handling multiple claims, they may miss something small. It is, therefore, a good idea to take pictures of the damage and use them to support your claims.
7. Failing to Maintain Receipts
All of your
personal items are valuable, and replacing them could get very expensive. Try to keep receipts of your most valuable items. Having receipts of your items will help the claims process go smoothly when it's time for reimbursement.
8. Over-spending on a Quick Job
Avoid spending too much money on repairs that are only a short-term solution to the problem. Over-spending now could leave you vulnerable in the future when you may need more extensive work done.
9. Overlooking Temporary Costs
If your home suffers serious damage, your expenses will likely be covered while you stay in alternative living arrangements. Keep track of your temporary expenses so that you are reimbursed once the repairs are over and your home becomes habitable again.
10. Forgetting Your Reference Number
Your claim reference number allows you to access the status of your claim within seconds. If you forget your claim reference number, things will become more difficult.
11. Underestimating Reimbursement
You want to make sure that you get the appropriate amount of reimbursement for your prized possession; however, if you think your items are being underestimated, don't be afraid to negotiate.
12. Failing to Make Copies
Making copies of everything is a great way to stay organized. If the insurance company forgets something, producing a copy of the document can get things back on track.
13. Neglecting Claims Forms
Filling out the claims forms is an important part of making sure that you receive the appropriate reimbursement. If you leave out details on the claims forms, your claim may be undervalued.
14. Settling
Set up a second appointment if you believe that the adjuster didn't give you an accurate quote. If you still feel that something is wrong, consult with a lawyer.
Avoiding these common mistakes will help your
home insurance claims process go smoothly and protect you from future headaches. If you have any questions about filing a home insurance claim,
contact our experts at Kneller Insurance Agency today.
