Common Mistakes To Avoid When Filing A Claim For Property Damage
When your residential or commercial property has been damaged, there are many important steps to take to protect your claim and make sure you receive the coverage you deserve. By the same token, there are also many mistakes that can hurt your claim and result in receiving a settlement that is too low to fully cover the cost of property damage. Worse, these mistakes can result in your claim being denied outright. Below, our Daytona Beach residential and commercial property damage lawyer outlines the most common mistakes made, so you can avoid them.
Not Filing Your Claim On Time
Your insurance policy likely outlines certain deadlines you must meet when filing a claim. If you wait too long to file your claim, the deadline may pass, which will make it even more difficult to have your claim approved by the insurance company. It is also important to file your claim in a timely manner so the damage is still relatively fresh when you do file. If you wait too long, it will make it more challenging for the insurance adjuster to determine definitely what portion of the damage is actually covered by your insurance. This could limit the settlement you will ultimately receive.
Working with the Wrong Contractors
Whether you are making emergency repairs to mitigate the damage done, or you have already received an insurance settlement, it is crucial that you hire the right contractors for the job. Some contractors are known as ‘generalists’ or claim to be an all-in-one service, but they are likely not the right people for the job. For example, if a pipe burst in your basement, you may need the help of both a mold remediation expert and a plumber. Someone who claims that they work in all areas of home repairs is unlikely to have the necessary expertise in both. This may result in you paying additional costs to have the repairs redone in the future.
Paying Contractors Before the Job is Complete
Contractors sometimes demand advance payment before they begin a job. Some may even ask you to sign an Assignment of Benefits. You should not work with any contractor that makes such demands. Paying a contractor in advance gives them little incentive to make sure the work is done properly, or they may not complete the job at all. Signing an Assignment of Benefits will also give a contractor certain rights to any payment you receive from the insurance company. Until the project is finished, do not make any payments or sign anything other than the original quote.
Our Residential and Commercial Property Damage Lawyer in Daytona Beach Can Ensure No Mistakes are Made
The above are just a few of the most common mistakes made when filing property damage claims. At Bundza & Rodriguez, our Daytona Beach residential and commercial property damage lawyers will ensure no mistake is made when filing your claim so you receive the full and fair coverage you deserve. Call us now at 386-252-5170 or reach out to us online to schedule a free consultation and to learn more about how we can help.
Source:
pinellas.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/clinical-and-nutrition-services/dental/_documents/aob-form.pdf
