Six Ways to Strengthen Your Homeowner's Insurance Claim

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.