What To Do When Filing Claims After Your Home Has Been Damaged
If you have damage to your home, you might be ready to file a claim to get some money back from your insurance company and complete repairs. At first it might seem simple; filling out papers and providing evidence appears straightforward. However, as things unfold, you may start to worry that your claim could be denied. To help yourself, do some of the tasks that follow.
Take More than Enough Pictures
Some people assume that the insurance company only needs a picture or two to prove damage, particularly if the damage was done by a strong storm that made the news. The truth is that what you see in a picture may not be what the company's adjuster sees. A picture of your roof from the front of your home may seem to you like an obvious sign that you need money for a new roof; the insurance company adjuster might need to see close-up shots of missing shingles, tears and holes before agreeing that you have to replace the structure. To make the situation as clear as possible, take multiple pictures from different angles to fully showcase what happened. Ensure that the pictures are not fuzzy and that they are taken in daylight so that they're clear and well-lit.
Get Multiple Estimates
You might already expect that the insurance company will request an estimate of the damage done to your home. However, you should be prepared to send more than one estimate so that that it's easier to prove that the damage is as extensive as you claim. Don't wait to hear back from the insurer's adjuster before sending in additional estimates. Instead, ensure that they have a few to look at before they come to a conclusion about your claim.
Keep Good Records
If you live in an area where there are often hurricanes or other weather events, it's possible that while one claim is ongoing or has just been completed, more damage happens. Not only is this stressful for you, but the insurance company then has a challenge in determining what they've already paid for and whether they will accept another claim. Be meticulous with your records so that you can prove on your end what was and was not done at different points in time.
it's important that you're able to utilize the suggestions above to make the claims process go well. If you are still unsure and feel that you need professional help, contact a few public adjusters (Great Lakes Public Adjusting is a great start) nearby for guidance.