Tips When Filing A Homeowners’ Fire Insurance Claim
Many people purchase fire insurance with the hope that they never have to use it. Unfortunately, fires do happen and in just a matter of a few seconds, they can cause an immense amount of damage. If your property has been damaged by fire, you can file a claim if you have purchased coverage and have regularly paid your premiums. Before filing a claim, there are some things you should know. Below, our Daytona Beach fire and smoke damage lawyer explains what these are.
Notify Your Insurer Right Away
You should first and foremost review your insurance policy to determine what coverage you have. If you need help understanding your policy, speak to a lawyer who can advise you on whether you are covered for the damage. Once you have reviewed your policy, contact your insurance company right away. If the fire destroyed the policy, you will have to ask your insurance company for another copy.
Document All Communication
You may have to communicate with your insurance company on several different occasions after a fire. Each time you speak with them, document the date and time of the conversation, the name of the person you spoke to, their job title, and what was said. If possible, confirm all conversations with an email.
Do Not Agree to a Recorded Statement
You are required to comply with any investigation or reasonable request from the insurance company. However, you are not required to provide them with a recorded statement. Florida is a ‘two-party consent state,’ which means that all parties involved in a conversation must consent to being recorded. Some companies try to get around this by using an automated message stating that all conversations may be recorded. Do not agree to this until you have spoken to a fire and smoke damage lawyer.
Document the Damage
Of course, to obtain the full coverage you need, you will have to prove the exact nature and severity of any damage. Take pictures and video footage of any damage prior to making temporary repairs. You are also required to mitigate any damage so it does not become worse, but do not make any repairs until you have documented the original damage.
Do Not Sign Anything
The insurance company may ask you to sign a release or a lowball settlement offer to avoid paying you the full coverage you deserve. Before signing anything, always have a fire and smoke damage lawyer review it to ensure you are not signing away your rights.
Call Our Fire and Smoke Damage Lawyer in Daytona Beach
If your property has been damaged by fire and smoke, you have the right to the full and fair coverage you have been paying for over the years. At Bundza & Rodriguez, our Daytona Beach fire and smoke damage lawyer can advise on the next steps to take so you obtain a fair settlement as quickly as possible. Call or text us now at 386-252-5170 or chat with us online to request a free consultation and to learn more.
Source:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0600-0699/0624/Sections/0624.155.html
