How To Avoid Three Common Theft And Vandalism Claim Mistakes

Of all the home insurance claims that are filed the vast majority, nearly 98 percent in fact, involve property damage. When many people think of property damage to a home, they first think of damage caused by storms or accidents, such as burst pipes. However, theft and vandalism are two other acts that cause serious damage to a property, and these two crimes are quite common. Below, our Daytona Beach theft and vandalism insurance claim lawyer outlines three mistakes to avoid if you have to file a claim.

Filing Your Claim Too Late 

It is important to file your claim as soon as possible. Take a photograph of the damage and file a police report if someone committed a crime on your property. If you wait too long to file, you may miss the deadline and it could complicate any impending investigation the insurer is conducting. Before the insurance company denies or approves your claim, they will want to inspect the damage. You cannot make any permanent repairs until after this step is completed. Filing as soon as possible also ensures the investigation proceeds quickly, so you can make the necessary repairs in a timely manner.

Making Repairs Right Away 

You do have a legal obligation to prevent any damage from becoming worse. For example, if someone vandalized your property and there is a hole in the wall as a result, you should try to temporarily fix it so water, animals, and more do not enter your home. However, do not make any permanent repairs until the insurance company has fully examined the extent of the damage. If you make repairs before this time, it will be more difficult to prove the severity of the damage, which could complicate your chances of receiving the full coverage you are entitled to.

Filing Multiple Claims 

As a policyholder, you may want to file a claim anytime anything goes wrong in your property. Even if every claim filed is valid, it can still work against you. Insurance companies tend to become suspicious of homeowners who frequently file claims. At some point, they even start denying or canceling coverage because they believe the homeowner is no longer acting in good faith.

In some cases, it is recommended to pay for minor damage on your own rather than file an insurance claim. This can increase your chances of being approved for a larger claim you may have to file in the future. A Daytona Beach theft and vandalism insurance claim lawyer can advise on your case and whether it is worthwhile to file a claim.

Our Theft and Vandalism Lawyer in Daytona Beach will Make Sure No Mistakes are Made with Your Claim 

It is not always possible to stop criminal activity on your property. When it happens, our Daytona Beach theft and vandalism lawyer at Bundza & Rodriguez can assist with your claim and make sure no mistakes are made. Call us now at 386-252-5170 or contact us online to book a free consultation and to learn more.

Source:

iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-homeowners-and-renters-insurance