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Bundza & Rodriguez, P.A. Proven Trial Attorneys
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Buying A Home? What To Look For In Property Damage Insurance

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A home represents a major investment of both your time and money and you want to ensure you are protected. When adverse events and unexpected issues arise, filing a homeowner’s property damage claim can help prevent you from having to pay out of pocket. Find out what you need to know about property damage policies and additional steps you can take to protect yourself.

Purchasing Homeowners Property Damage Insurance 

As a homeowner in Florida, state law does not mandate that you purchase property damage insurance. However, most lenders require it as a means of protecting their investment. Regardless of whether you are a first time buyer or have already gone through the process, it is important to take a few simple steps to ensure you get the right policy, the appropriate amount of coverage, and that you are protected if a claim arises. The Florida Department of Financial Services offers a Homeowner’s Toolkit which can help guide you through the process. Among the tips we recommend include:

  • Shop around to get the best price on a policy. Unfortunately, Florida has some of the highest rates in the nation.
  • Deal with a respected insurance company. Check the company’s ratings through services such as Standard & Poors.
  • Make an inventory of all property you want protected and its value. This will give you an accurate idea of the total amount of homeowner’s insurance you need.
  • Read the policy carefully before making your purchase. Pay attention to important provisions, such as policy exclusions and whether it pays current value or replacement costs.

Protecting Yourself In The Event Of A Claim

While homeowners insurance is not required by law, the Florida Statutes do provide a homeowner’s bill of rights. This helps to protect you in dealings with the insurance company and in the event you need to file a property damage claim. In addition to familiarizing yourself in regards to these rights, there are other steps you can take to ensure you are protected:

  • Document all covered property. Keep a file folder containing receipts for covered property and take videos or pictures of all items.
  • Keep insurance documents handy. You will want to review these in the event you need to file a claim.
  • Notify the insurance immediately of any property damages. Even if it appears minor, it can lead to larger problems in the future. If you do not report it, you will not be covered for future damages.
  • Avoid accepting immediate settlements. It can take months to determine the full extent of property damages. An immediate settlement is likely to leave you paying out of pocket for some costs.

Contact Us Today for Help 

At Bundza & Rodriguez, we protect the rights of homeowners and help them get the maximum amount they are entitled to in property damage claims. Reach out and call or contact our Daytona Beach property damage claims attorneys online to request a consultation today.

Source:

myfloridacfo.com/division/consumers/understandingcoverage/guides/documents/homeownerstoolkit.pdf

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