There are several important steps that you must take after you suffer a property damage loss. Many policyholders don’t realize that their policy provisions require them to make every effort to mitigate the damage to the property. Here are a few pointers to help you in the initial days/weeks following your loss, as well as a few tips if you happen to read this prior to a loss.
- Take precaution signing documents for temporary repair or emergency mitigation work. Make sure that these documents clarify that the services performed will only be performed in order to prevent the property from sustaining further property damage loss.
- Take pictures of EVERYTHING! The more the merrier! It is your duty to prove your loss to your insurance company. You must prove and document all damage in order to avoid claim denial. If you decide to hire our firm as your public insurance adjuster, be sure to give us copies of all photos taken so that we will be able to document your property damage loss accordingly.
- Always have copies of your insurance policies with you. It is very wise to have copies of your insurance policies at other “safe” locations such as the home of a close friend, or relative. This will allow your public insurance adjuster to pinpoint necessary coverage that is applicable to your claim.
- Keep a folder aside that will be used to record all documentation vital to your claim. Ask that all documents be made available to you so that you remain informed and educated during the claim’s process. Do not allow your insurance company to have all important documentation without providing you a copy of each document.
- Broken windows and doors must be boarded up to prevent further property damage loss to your property.
- Have a damaged roof “tarped.” Once again, the responsibility of preventing the property from suffering further damage lies solely with you. Ask your public insurance adjuster questions so that we can keep you informed on how your property is being protected.
- You are entitled to have your property and life restored to a state of normalcy. Do not accept anything less than what you know you are entitled to! This is your life and you deserve nothing but the best treatment that will allow you to be made whole once again!
- Destroying “evidence” will only hurt your chances of getting completely indemnified. Do not allow anyone to demolish the structure until the claim has been fully investigated and settled accordingly!
- Make sure that everything you receive from the insurance company is IN WRITING! Do not throw away any damaged items until the insurance company approves such action IN WRITING!
