Your homeowners' insurance can be difficult if you don't fully understand your policy and the claims process. Several common mistakes can be avoided when you file a claim. If you have a question, ask your agent and follow the directions they give you to file any homeowners' insurance claim.
Reading your policy as soon as you get it will help you better understand what it contains. Make sure you read through the section that lists all the covered perils. Once you know what perils are covered, you will know when you can file a claim if your property is damaged.
Having the wrong coverage or insufficient coverage are both common mistakes. If you have antiques and collectibles or live in an area where floods, hurricanes, or earthquakes are possible, you may need to purchase supplemental or specific endorsement policies.
Not having a home inventory can be costly. Document everything you own, including the item's condition, serial number, and model. If you can take pictures of each item or, even better, make a video of your home inventory. As you go from room to room, you can also document the condition of your home.
One of the biggest problems for homeowners is maintaining their property sufficiently. An annual inspection of the roof, HVAC system, and electrical and plumbing components will uncover any potential wear and tear that could eventually result in damage.
A lack of communication with your agent may pose a huge problem if you need to file a claim. Always maintain a close connection with your insurance agent. In the event of an emergency, you will be able to contact them and get the claims process started rather quickly.
Many people think that they can file a claim at any time. This isn't true. If you experience any damage, it is up to you to file your claim promptly. The sooner you file your claim, the easier it will be for you to support your claim and verify what caused the damage.
Trying to handle a large claim alone can be overwhelming, and you may miss something important. Talk to your agent and have them guide you through the process to know that everything is covered. This will ensure that all of your issues are properly cared for.
Not documenting all of your damage appropriately may cause your claim to be denied. It may also mean that you don't get sufficient compensation for some of your items.
Cleaning up any damage too soon can cause your claim to be denied or not sufficiently covered. Your insurance agent needs to see the full extent of your damage before they start to fill out your claim. This ensures that you will get all the compensation you need to replace or repair your items.
Filing too many small claims may prevent you from filing a larger claim when something more severe happens. Try to cover small losses on your own to keep your homeowners' insurance more affordable. Too many claims may eat away at your deductible, but it can also dramatically increase your premiums.
You can avoid many of the most common mistakes when filing a claim against your homeowners' policy by working directly with your insurance provider. Call our insurance experts at C.V. Mason Insurance Agency today and schedule your first appointment. This will allow us to get to know one another and make it easier to work together in the future.
