It can be a truly frightening and emotional time following a serious natural
disaster. If your home has been damaged or destroyed, your insurance company
is supposed to be there to back you financially and help you get through
this time. We all know too well, however, that insurance providers can
be miserly with their approval procedures. To combat this trend, there
are several things that you can do to strengthen your
insurance claim and improve your chances of success.
1. Take Inventory of Your Household Items
It is highly important that you create and maintain a detailed list of
your possessions before a natural disaster ever occurs. Taking photographs,
writing brief descriptions, and making estimates of the worth of your
belongings can help you greatly in the event of an unforeseen incident.
Storing this information in an online cloud account such as Dropbox can
ensure that your records are kept intact even if your computer should
be destroyed.
Here are a few examples of things you should make a record of owning:
- Electronics
- Vehicles
- Valuables
- Appliances
- Jewelry
By having photographic proof of the things you own, you can save yourself
a lot of hassle if you should ever have to submit a claim for their replacement.
2. Know What You Are Covered For
It is essential that you thoroughly read your insurance policy so that
you know exactly what you should be covered for. This can help you stand
your ground should an insurance adjuster try to deny you coverage, as
you can clearly point out statements in your policy that prove your point.
Knowing your policy inside and out can simplify the process and get you
moving towards a payout more quickly.
3. Photograph All Damage
In addition to taking photos of your belongings before a disaster, taking
pictures of damage after a disaster can also help. This allows you to
show contrasting photos to that can help accurately determine the value
of damage. Any damaged or destroyed property should not be discarded until
an insurance adjuster has had a chance to see it. If your home has suffered
serious structural damage, take photographs and only perform temporary
maintenance to ensure safety. You should not have to pay for any major,
permanent repairs.
4. Contact You Insurance
Calling your insurance adjuster as soon as possible can help speed up the
process and prepare them for your claim. If you have been evacuated and
are forced to stay in a hotel, letting your insurance know can open up
the possibility for reimbursement of these associated costs. Record the
names and phone numbers of everyone that you speak to, as this can be
handy to clear up any confusion that may arise down the line.
5. Get Ready to Negotiate
After an insurance adjuster has had a chance to assess the damage, you
will likely receive an offer for a payout. It is not uncommon for this
number to be much lower than what you expect, so be prepared to propose
a counteroffer for a number that you find reasonable. Use all of the evidence
that you have compiled up to this point to strengthen your argument. Getting
repair estimates and appraisals from a third party can also improve your
chances. If your insurance company still tries to lowball you after you
have made your case, legal action may be necessary.
6. Call 833-7RIGHTS
At Dick Law Firm, we do not tolerate the unethical and miserly practices
that insurance companies have become notorious for. If you have been swindled
by your insurance company, our
Houston homeowner’s insurance attorneys are prepared to stand by your side and fight to secure a fair settlement
for your case. Having helped thousands of people sue their insurance providers
throughout our successful practice, your case is sure to be in good hands.
To get started,
contact our office online
or request a
free consultation
today!