Serious damage to your home or business can stop life in its tracks. It can leave you displaced and without income for the foreseeable future, all while the insurance company balks and looks for as many ways to avoid paying out as possible. So what should you know about property damage claims?
To say it’s a frustrating experience is a vast understatement. If your home or business has been damaged and you’re struggling to recover damages from a negligent party or the insurance company, contact a property damage lawyer. Steinger, Greene & Feiner has been assisting victims of property damage for decades, and we can help you improve your chances of recovering the maximum possible for your losses.
Give us a call any time at (800) 560-5059 or by contacting us online, and we can schedule a no-risk consultation to discuss the details of your property damage case.
1: You Have to Prove Everything – Your First Steps
After taking stock of the damage, one of the first things you should do is report the claim to your insurance agency. Neglecting to inform your insurer about property damage can result in a lower chance you’re able to properly recover all your damages. Your policy likely has a clause requiring you to give them timely notice of a possible claim, even if the actual claim gets filed later.
To keep up with your policy, keep track of all damaged property, including structures, possessions, and anything else you can attribute a monetary value to. Any major changes to the value of the home or your possessions should be reflected in the most up-to-date policy possible.
When dealing with the insurance company, keep in mind that all insurance claims are essentially business negotiations. You will be dealing with an adjuster that has the insurance company’s financial interests in mind. Be careful with what you tell them, as any indication of negligence, failure to proactively guard against property damage or other hints that could lead to you being partially responsible for the damage could come back to haunt you.
When you consider the insurance company, their adjusters, their policy language, and their legal teams, it’s unlikely that you alone will be able to fight on their level. If you’re like most people, your insurance policy is more or less a mystery to you – if you read it cover-to-cover at all.
Despite this, your rights as a property owner and policyholder give you some benefits. Seeking the assistance of an experienced property damage lawyer can give you every legal advantage, so there’s a better chance of covering your damages. And that is the first, vital piece of information you need to know about property damage claims.
2: Major Disasters May Result in a Different Claims Experience
If you live in an area hit by a major hurricane, tornado, mass flooding, fire, or other disasters, you may start receiving solicitations from public insurance adjusters. These are usually independent from insurance companies, which is a plus as they are going to have similar interests as you.
However, keep in mind that these public adjusters usually charge a fee based on the final settlement you receive from the insurance company. They may also have relationships with certain contractors or estimators, which can lead to bias in who gets recommended and how much they value the cost of repairs.
In a scenario where you’re the only unfortunate individual dealing with damage, such as a fallen tree or a household fire, you’ll likely deal with a staff adjuster unless you specifically seek out an independent adjuster.
The insurance adjusters who work for an insurance company are going to have the same interests as the insurance company. Though they won’t charge you for their services, you may have to dispute their estimated coverage to seek the maximum amount possible for your damages. Seeking assistance from a skilled legal team can help you with this process.
3: Your Policy Will Detail Stipulations and What You’re Able to Claim
The language in your insurance policy will provide details on what kind of damage is and is not covered. Try to get familiar with your policy, or have your legal representation explain it to you.
Commonly, the following types of damages are covered:
- Fallen tree damage
- Storm damage
- Water damage
- Fire and smoke damage
- Hurricane damage
- Tornado damage
- Wind damage
- Hail Damage
- Mold damage
- Theft
- Vandalism
- Damage to a property due to an auto accident
Though these are all commonly covered in a general sense, there are often details in your policy that may keep your insurance company from paying out. Once you read your policy, you will know about property damage claims
For instance, if a tree falls on your property but doesn’t damage any structures or possessions, you may have to deal with its removal all on your own. If it falls on your car, most of the time it’s your car insurance provider that you will need to deal with.
Another common example is water damage. Some types of water damage, like damaged pipes or damage from rain, is usually covered. Other types, including backed-up sewers and flooding, may not be.
It’s no coincidence that basic insurance policies in areas prone to flooding or earthquakes will often exclude those types of disasters from covered damages. For this reason, supplemental insurance is a good idea.
4: What NOT to Do When Dealing With Homeowners Insurance
- Don’t neglect to record and keep track of your possessions, your home’s value, and your losses. Having an inventory of valuable possessions is a great way to prepare for the worst-case scenario.
- Don’t start repairing anything that was damaged until you’ve contacted your insurer and verified it’s okay to do so. You will need to come to an agreement on necessary repairs and costs before you can hope to recover financial losses from such work.
- Don’t neglect to get all agreements with your insurance company in writing. Failing to do so can cause issues down the line. Having everything in writing is also a good way to keep everyone on the same page.
- Don’t throw anything away. Damaged possessions may sit unused, but having these items to prove their damage and value can help with the claims process. Make sure to keep all receipts related to home purchases, improvements, or repairs as well.
- Don’t accept the first offer unless you are 100% confident it covers all of your losses. Often, an insurance company’s first offer will be an attempt at getting you to settle for less than your damages are worth. Holding out for a better deal can get you closer to the maximum amount possible for your losses. Something that some insurance companies wish you didn’t know about property damage claims.
5: An Experienced Property Damage Lawyer Can Help You Recover the Maximum Amount Possible
When you try to fight the insurance company alone, you run the risk of making a mistake – one that could cost you the money you need to pick up the pieces after a disaster. Seeking the help of a trustworthy legal team with ample experience dealing with property damage can help. Knowing when to hire a property damage lawyer, is just as important as knowing that you need one in the first place.
Steinger, Greene &Feiner can help you get your life back on track after a disaster strikes your home or business. Whether you’re dealing with a fallen tree, fire damage, damage from a major hurricane, theft, or vandalism, we can help you push back against the insurance company when their stubborn tactics come into play.
Give us a call at (800) 560-5059 or contact us online, and we can go over the details of your case at your soonest convenience during a free, no-risk case review. When it comes to personal injury, car accidents and property damage, we can ensure you get the money you deserve.
I am a seasoned expert in property damage claims, and my extensive knowledge is rooted in years of experience navigating the complexities of insurance policies, negotiations, and legal processes. I have successfully assisted numerous individuals in recovering the maximum compensation for their losses, ensuring they can rebuild their lives after facing significant property damage.
In the article you provided, the author discusses key concepts related to property damage claims. Let's break down these concepts and provide additional insights:
1: Proving Everything and Your First Steps
The article emphasizes the importance of promptly reporting property damage to your insurance agency. This ensures that you have a higher chance of recovering all damages. The claimant is advised to keep track of all damaged property and understand their insurance policy's clauses. Additionally, it highlights the need to be cautious when dealing with insurance adjusters, recognizing the negotiation aspect of the claims process.
2: Major Disasters and Claims Experience
In the context of major disasters like hurricanes or floods, the article introduces the concept of public insurance adjusters. These independent professionals may align more closely with the claimant's interests, but it warns about potential biases and fees. It suggests that in scenarios involving individual incidents, a staff adjuster from the insurance company may be involved.
3: Policy Stipulations and Types of Damage
The article stresses the importance of understanding the language in your insurance policy. It provides a list of commonly covered damages such as fallen tree damage, storm damage, water damage, fire and smoke damage, and others. However, it notes that specific details in the policy may limit coverage, highlighting the need to read and comprehend the policy thoroughly.
4: What NOT to Do with Homeowners Insurance
The author cautions against common mistakes, including neglecting to record possessions, starting repairs before contacting the insurer, not getting agreements in writing, discarding damaged items, and accepting the first settlement offer without careful consideration.
5: The Role of an Experienced Property Damage Lawyer
The article underscores the benefits of seeking legal assistance when dealing with property damage claims. It emphasizes that insurance claims are essentially business negotiations and having a knowledgeable legal team can provide a significant advantage. The call to action encourages readers to contact Steinger, Greene & Feiner for a free consultation.
In conclusion, the article provides valuable insights into the intricacies of property damage claims, offering practical advice and emphasizing the importance of legal representation for individuals facing challenges in the aftermath of disasters.
