After Insurance Claim

There is a detailed process that comes with filing an insurance claim for property damage. How that process is handled can affect your overall settlement. That is why it is just as important to know what not to do after the insurance claim. Here’s a look at some things to always avoid—the home insurance claims dos and don’ts.

Do not make repairs

One of the biggest homeowners’ insurance claim tips is not making repairs directly after the incident. The natural response to damage would be to make immediate repairs, but it is important to resist that urge. The insurance company will need to make a firsthand account of the damage in order to assess the cost of repair. Repairing the damage prematurely could cause you to lose out on a good deal of money. Be patient and wait it out. It may be difficult in the moment, but if you can wait, do it. Only make the repairs when your insurance company is giving you the compensation you’re entitled to.

Do not wait to notify your insurance company

Immediacy is important when making an insurance claim. Once you are out of harm’s way, the first thing you should do is contact your insurance company. Delaying could lead to your claim being denied and, in some instances, a lawsuit filed against you by the insurance company.

Do not trash damaged items

The insurance company will come out and conduct their own documentation of the damage. Until that happens, leave everything as it is. Also, hold onto any receipts you have from the damaged items as they will help legitimize the value of those damaged items. Throwing out damaged items could give insurance companies reason to deny coverage.

Do not be told which vendors to use

Insurance companies will come out and recommend using certain contractors to fix the damage. You do not have to abide by those recommendations. You can select whichever contractor you want. Do your due diligence when finding these vendors and don’t be duped into believing you have to use certain ones.

Do not let settlements go to anyone else

Don’t permit any of your insurance settlement to be paid directly to a contractor. If a payment goes out to them before the work is finished, then that could affect their workmanship and attentiveness. Make sure any insurance payouts are made directly to you and then you can pay any contractors accordingly.

AmeriClaims’ residential and commercial insurance adjusters are ready to stand by you all the way through the claims process, including after the insurance claim. As a top Charlotte public adjuster, we won’t let insurance companies take advantage of you during your time of need. AmeriClaims is ready to start working towards getting the settlement you deserve. We have the necessary tools and experience to give your case the attention it deserves and get you on the road to recovery following damage to your home or business.