Residential Claims AdjustersFor some homeowners, the aftermath of a natural disaster could bring a whole second round of troubles. After the storm passes, they may have to negotiate with their insurers to get the cash they need to repair storm damage. Homeowners’ insurance companies have gotten tougher as weather has become more cataclysmic. They’ve raised rates, carved out some coverage and tucked in new wind and hurricane exclusions and deductibles. Homeowners need to play the game right if they want to get claims paid quickly and thoroughly. You can start early – here’s what to do… REVIEW YOUR POLICY: Keep in mind that many insurers have “anti-concurrent causation clauses” in policies now that say if you have damage from multiple causes, say wind and flooding, where wind is covered but flooding is not – they won’t cover anything at all. A new flood insurance law passed which requires insurers to use federal data to allocate the costs in cases where a home is totally destroyed by flooding and wind damage. TAKE PICTURES & VIDEO: Whether the weather is fine or you are bracing for a storm or natural disaster that is heading your way, take pictures or video of the interior and exterior of your property and inventory all of your belongings. FILE CLAIMS PROPERLY: You may get faster attention if you submit a claim quickly. Oftentimes, the homeowners who get in line first have a better chance of recovery than those who lag behind. Federal flood insurance typically carries a 60-day deadline, though it often gets extended after extreme events. Miss that deadline and your flood insurance will be worthless. CHOOSE YOUR WORDS CAREFULLY:It is imperative that you notify your insurance company as soon as you notice property damage and inform them. Be sure to let them know if you need to spend money to make immediate repairs. But don’t characterize the cause of the damage – the company could dredge up your remarks and use them to deny your claim. The best advice is to hire a public adjuster to represent you. KNOW THE RULES OF YOUR STATE: What the storm is called when it hits your home will undoubtedly affect your coverage, depending on your state of residence. Be sure to find out what how storm was categorized in your specific area and review both your policy limits and deductibles, to determine how they will be applied. HIRE A PUBLIC ADJUSTER: Pride Public Adjusters will relieve you of the stress and hardship of having to do it alone, understanding which forms need to be filed, what documents to submit, what to say or not say to an insurance company adjuster and how to effectively negotiate the maximum settlement you are due. |