How To Reduce Storm Damage Issues
If you live in an area that is prone to storms and subsequent storm damage, then you definitely count on your insurance policy to keep your protected. Unfortunately, many individuals who hold a storm policy will find themselves in a situation where their claim is undervalued. This means that you are provided with an insurance payout that covers only a fraction of the damages. While an attorney can help you to get all of your money after an undervalued claim, you should try to prevent the problem in the first place. Keep reading to understand how:
Understand Claim Filing Processes
Every insurance company will have its own procedures and practices in place when it comes to filing a claim after storm damage has been noted. It is extremely important to follow practices as completely as possible, or you may receive only a partial settlement. For example, storm damage will often need to be evaluated, investigated, and documented by a claims adjuster.
Some people uncomfortable letting a claims adjuster into their homes. These people are often misunderstood though. Claims adjusters do work for the insurance company. However, they are professionals who are licensed to complete investigations in relation to damages, whether they are personal injuries or storm damage claims.
Refusing the adjuster to investigate your home can result in undervaluing, and the individual may also undervalue a claim in favor of the insurance company they work for. To avoid this sort of scenario, hire a public adjuster to complete an independent investigation. This can help you to negotiate an undervalued claim.
Look At Coverage
If storm damage was caused by something that was not covered by your insurance policy, then your damage may only be partially covered. This is obviously legal and acceptable since your policy did not cover it in the first place. For example, flood insurance may cover damage to your home but not your personal belongings. Also, you may be covered by flooding from a storm, but not from a broken pipe caused by a storm.
Most insurance plans will not cover everything, and this is why many people invest in several policies to ensure their property. For example, the National Flood Insurance Program has two different types of insurance that separately cover your belongings and your home. However, you may need a third policy to cover damages from plumbing malfunctions and any property that the insurance does not cover.
If extensive damage does occur, speak to all the insurance companies about their coverage. This can be confusing, and a law office like Law Offices of Jeremy W McKey may be needed to make sure that all damages are covered.
