Here are some common mistakes that homeowners make when it comes to filing a claim. We do our best to keep our clients informed. We hope you never have to file a claim, however if you do, take a look at this list to avoid some headache. Our office is committed to helping you every step of the way.
- Not having a clear understanding of your policy
- Reading through the fine print of your policy can be time consuming and sometimes confusing. One of the major benefits of having a personal agent is that I am happy to sit down with you to go over what coverages are included in your policy and customize it to be the right fit for you and your family.
- Having a history of too many claims filed
- One contributing factor when settling on a premium rate is the amount of claims filed in the past. It will cause your rates to be more expensive. Research shows that about 1 in 20 homeowners file a claim each year.
- Neglecting to have a home inventory prepared
- The start of the new year is a perfect time to add to or start your list. The time it takes now will be so worth it should you ever need to file a claim. Check out my Home Inventory Checklist and tips!
- Not keeping up on maintenance
- If you notice small issues with you home and neglect to repair it, it could lead to a way bigger problem. For example, forgetting to flush out your sprinkler system or disconnect your hoses in winter could lead to massive damage to your property.
- Waiting too long to file the claim
- You have up until one year to file a claim but please don’t wait that long. The longer you wait, the worse the damage will likely get, delaying the repair and claim process. Our staff is here to help and support you.
- Failing to use the correct verbiage
- Call our office right away so we can support you and help you communicate efficiently. We are your advocates during this process. It’s important to be as clear as possible about the damage.
- Insufficient documentation
- Failure to accurately document the damage is the number one issue that insureds are faced with. Make sure to take a picture as soon as you notice the damage. It’s even better if you have a before and after photo.
- Cleaning the damage too quickly
- Many homeowners will discard damaged items or receipts before total damage is documented. One of the best things you can do to ensure a stress-free claim process is to have a detailed paper trail.
We hope you have found these tips helpful and you can store them away to hopefully never be used. Call our office to go over you current Homeowner’s policy or if you need any assistance. (719)593-9916
Forbes, 2020. These Are The Worst Home Insurance Claim Mistakes, https://www.forbes.com/advisor/homeowners-insurance/claim-mistakes/
