Damaged Home? How To Get An Insurer To Pay Up - Part 2

Tornadoes. Hurricanes. Wildfires. Over the past decade, insurance companies have paid more than $450 billion in property damages to policyholders. But now, some insurers are looking for ways to limit their losses by denying claims and sticking homeowners with the bill

Visit our Blog Site over the next 2 days to learn some simple and valuable steps you can take to help make sure you get paid when filing a property claim.

 

Move fast. Prevent further damage -- but don't disturb the evidence:  Gather information as quickly and completely as possible. Try to make sure you uncover and document every bit of damage.

Many policies require prompt and early notice of a claim and in some cases, insurers may deny claims that were discovered later.

Especially in the case of disasters that cause widespread damage, it helps to contact insurers early on so you're at the top of the adjuster's list.

Board up broken windows, but don't start cleanup or other significant work until after the insurance adjuster comes.

Do not throw out damaged belongings until they have been examined and recorded by your insurer. That carpet that was ruined when a pipe burst may be a moldy mess but resist the urge to kick it to the curb until the adjuster gets there and tells you it's okay to dispose of it.

Also, if you have to live in a hotel for a while, or a rental apartment, keep the receipts. Those expenses should be reimbursed.