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Daytona Beach Lawyers > Blog > Property Damage / Insurance > Understanding The Process Of Filing A Property Insurance Claim

Understanding The Process Of Filing A Property Insurance Claim

Process

Purchasing a home is a significant investment. You likely plan to own the property for at least a decade, meaning that at some point, you will likely have to file a property insurance claim. According to underwriter studies and state insurance departments, the average homeowner will file a claim for property insurance coverage once every nine to ten years. Hurricanes, hail storms, and personal actions such as vandalism are just a few reasons for these claims.

The exact cause resulting in an insurance claim may vary widely, but it is important that you are properly prepared. Below, our Daytona Beach residential and commercial property damage lawyer explains how the process works, and the steps you need to take.

If Necessary, Contact the Appropriate Authorities

If a tree has fallen on your roof and someone was injured, or your home is on fire, insurance should not be the first thing you think about. If there is a current emergency, call the authorities such as the fire department to keep everyone safe. If your home has been burglarized or vandalized, call the police right away so a report is filed. Police reports are very important pieces of evidence when filing a claim.

Document Your Property Damage

Once it is safe to do so, take photos and video footage of the property damage. Take pictures of the whole scene to show the full nature of the incident and then take close-up photos of the damage, such as stains or cracks in the walls. These details can be difficult to see when pictures are taken from a distance. If you are taking a video, also narrate the incident and the resulting damage. The more evidence you can collect, the stronger you can build your claim.

Start Making Emergency Repairs

If water is flooding your home, you need to make emergency repairs to mitigate further damage. A property damage lawyer can help you recover these costs in the future but if you do not make them, it can give your insurer reason to deny your claim.

Allow the Insurance Adjuster to View the Property

Once your claim has been filed, the insurance company will send an adjuster out to observe the damage. You should always allow these individuals to view the full extent of the damage, as well as to confirm that you made the necessary emergency repairs. You should also ask your property damage lawyer to examine the property.

Do Not Sign Any Settlement Offer

Your insurance company has an obligation to make a settlement offer, or deny your claim, in a timely manner. When your insurer makes a settlement offer, there is a good chance that it will not be enough to fully cover the cost of damage. Before signing anything, let a property damage lawyer review it first to ensure it is fair.

Contact Our Residential and Commercial Property Damage Lawyer in Daytona Beach

Although last on the list, contacting a Daytona Beach residential and commercial property damage lawyer should be the first thing you do. At Bundza & Rodriguez, our skilled attorneys will take care of the paperwork when you have more pressing matters to worry about, and will communicate with the insurance company on your behalf. Call us now at 386-252-5170 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and to learn more about how we can help you get your home back as quickly as possible.

Source:

finance.zacks.com/average-homeowner-file-insurance-claims-8387.html

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