Submitting a property claim for damage can be one of the most difficult things to do, and it can be even more challenging if the damage is due to some natural calamity, accident or even vandalism. This said; it is always important to understand your rights and how to go about the process of making a claim. This article serves as a perfect guide to help you learn about property damage claims and how Legal Assist can help you in seeking the compensation you need.
What is a Property Damage Claim?
Property damage claim is a written request made to an insurer after the occurrence of any event that results in financial loss because of property damage. The damage may have been brought on by a host of naturally caused incidents like fire, storm, flooding, theft or just an untimely accident. It is possible for people with property insurance to place a claim regarding damage done or sustained to the property with the intention of receiving monetary funding for the repair or the reconstitution of the property.
Resorting to Litigation following a Property Damage Claim
Naturally Occurring or Accidental Damage
Accidental damage is basically damage that occurs through accidents that are not planned or are not intended. These include falling of a tree on your house or kinks caused by a car accident in your garage while trying to park the vehicle. Insurance policies have been known to cover these kinds of incidences as long as they have not been done maliciously.
Weather-Related Damage Weather-related damage, also known as natural hazards, is damage caused by natural resources like storms flooding or hailing. Consequences could be compensated by the policies of the insurers, therefore studying one’s filed policy is important. Theft and Vandalism Any damage to property caused through burglary and vandalism is also insurable. Should burglars break into your house or should your house be vandalized, the damages sustained should be compensated by insurance. Fire Damage Fire has the potential to destroy a lot of property which can in turn lead to excessive costs in repairing it. Having a fire damage claim can assist in paying for the costs of restoration, reconstruction or replacement for affected properties. Steps to Take Immediately After Property Damage.
- Ensure Safety First The first concern should not be what to claim but the safety of individuals in that household. If the impacts of the destruction were drastic, leave the area that has been affected and seek medical help if needed.
- Document the Damage Take photos or video recordings of the damaged property to use in support of the claim. Produce a list of all items that have been affected, their state, and whether or not the items are out of stock.
- Communicate the Event to Your Payor of Insurance
Prompt notification should be made to the insurer. Insurers have periods where claims must be made. So the process begins the earliest the better.
- Ascertain That No More Damage is Done to the Property
Use caution in order to avoid causing more damage. If no kitchen or bathroom supplies can be found from the supplier because of nonavailability of the local shops, cover any windows that may be broken in order that the rain doesn’t get inside the house and cause further damage.
How to Claim Damages for Property Damage Insurance
Step 1: Read all the Important Sections of Your Insurance Policy
Before lodging a claim take time to read the fine print in your insurance policy and understand the intended aspects of the process. Terms regarding limits of coverage, exclusions, and deductibles must also be conspicuously visible.
Step 2: Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the damage and request for a claim with your insurance company. A claim number and an adjuster will be assigned to you to look at the matter at hand.
Step 3: Relay Information to the Insurance Adjuster
The insurer’s representative will assess the property and decide the value of claimed loss. Always be truthful and provide the relevant supporting documents required to complete your claim. This is advisable especially when aiming to receive fair compensation.
Step 4: Request Repair Estimates
Provide several estimations of repairs for submission to your insurance company. This is important in determining the reasonable amount that should be paid for repair of the damage and also may lead to faster settlement of the case.
Step 5: Seek a Negotiated Settlement
In case there is lowballing by your insurance provider in the offered settlement, you have the right to bargain. Be prepared to argue your side or get help from professionals like Legal Assist to help you get fair remuneration.
Things You Shouldn’t Do When Filing a Property Damage Claim
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Wait Too Long to File the Claim
A delay in filing the damage of property affects the chances of a successful claim being made. Notify your insurers in good time so that you don’t run out of time limits.
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Underestimating the Importance of Records
Documentation is useful in the event of any insurance claims being made and has to be supported by relevant reports. Always keep important documents and treasured photographs of what has been damaged or lost in the process. It will be useful in all situations in which there are disputes on the circumstances.
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Not Negotiating the First Offer Made by Insurers
Insurers will attempt to offer initial low settlements to cut costs. Don’t hesitate to bargain or use professional aid like Legal Assist to help you with your case.
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Conducting the Temporary Fix and Failing to Take Photos
It is important to avoid any further loss; however, one should ensure that the existing loss is photographed before any remedial measures are taken. This can greatly assist in your case.
Denial of Claims and Their Prevention
Exclusions in the Policy
There are different types of losses, which your policy may not compensate you for. Always read the fine print and the rest of the material to understand what is not covered.
Late Reporting
Most policies contain a requirement where any such loss or damage must be reported within a certain time interval. If late reporting exists, it may result in the case being opened only for denial.
Inadequate Documentation
The absence or inadequacy of proving evidence for the damage claimed may be the basis for denial of claims. Be sure you have all necessary files, records and documents as well as pictures and videos.
Legal Assist – The Right Solution to You Property Damage Claim
Legal Assist helps clients in dealing with the complicated practice of filing insurance claims. Here’s how we can help:
Free Initial Consultation
We first assess your claim and determine the means and ways to avoid a possibility of loss in the future. Therefore, our consultation is free.
No Win, No Fee Service
If you opt for our “No Win, No Fee” service, you will be charged with no legal costs unless we win your case. Such an arrangement allows you to pursue your case without worrying about a financial toll.
Negotiation With Insurance Companies
With years of experience, our team understands how to negotiate with insurance companies so that you can receive the maximum compensation. We are well-aware of the various strategies that insurers employ in a bid to cut their pay-outs, and we are able to handle them appropriately.
Legal Representation in Court
In the event that your case has no option apart from going to court, Legal Assist will assist you with professional representation and thus the chances of success are much increased.
If Your Claim for Property Damage is Denied
Why Not Ask Them for an Explanation?
After the denial of a claim, one should request a clear explanation in writing. Having this in writing allows one to see the position of the insurance companies and what next steps one can take.
Make an Appeal.
Most of the insurance policies allow for making an appeal on a denied claim. Additional corroborative materials or a second opinion can be obtained to be able to strengthen the case.
Acquire legal assistance.
If the insurer has categorically refused to settle the claim, hands on experts like Legal Assist can be helpful. We can assist you in appeal cases and we can represent you in a case if it is taken to a court.
How Much Compensation Can You Get?
The extent to which you may be compensated varies and depends on the level of damage, the limits in your policy, and additional living expenses that are likely to be incurred. These are some of the conditions under which you may be compensated:
Repair Costs: For the cost of repairing the damage that has been inflicted on your property.
Replacement Costs: For items that the insurance company determines beyond repair.
Additional Living Expenses: For the expenses incurred, such as housing, when relocation was necessary.
Loss of Use: For loss suffered as a result of inability to make use of the property because of the damage caused.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the maximum period an insured can take to settle a property damage claim?
The maximum time with which an individual can take in order to communicate a claim is relative, depending on the level of damage incurred and the response or communication from the insurance company. It may be in weeks to several months even.
- Will I be able to make a claim in the event I am the one who caused the damage?
This will mostly depend on the type of coverage that one has in their policy. Some policies are extended to cover accidental damage done by the owner of property while others do not.
- What happens if my policy covers some of the repair costs only and not all?
You may, in that scenario, seek help from your insurance or from lawyers to try getting the full amount. Documentation and expert studies will assist your query and or argument.
- Is it obligatory to have a lawyer while making the property damage claim?
Having a lawyer is not needed, but if such a claim is denied or if there is a struggle with the negotiations with the insurance firm, it is prudent to have legal representation.
- Are there circumstances where I would not be able to claim for the damage caused by natural disasters?
It’s possible, yet such incidents are infrequently covered. Make sure you read your policy to check if it has provisions covering unforeseeable events such as floods, storms, earthquakes, and other such natural upheavals.
Claiming for property damage caused to the insured property need not be a crushing experience. If you know your rights, have all the papers in order, and let Legal Assist do what they do best, you stand a better chance of winning the case. And recognizing the fact that the insurer might not be doing their bit for your benefit, you can adopt strategies that guarantee you do get what you are entitled to. Get in touch with Legal Assist and they will help, and even guide you step by step through the whole claims process.