Tips for Filing a Homeowners Insurance Claim in Florida
If you live in Florida, you’ve probably had to file a homeowner’s insurance claim at some point in your life. It can be stressful to go through the filing process, but there are some things you can do to make the process go more smoothly and receive the maximum reimbursement you deserve. With the following tips, help from an attorney, and patience on your part, you’ll be well on your way to successfully filing your next insurance claim.
How to get home owners insurance
While it’s important to have homeowners insurance, unfortunately, you may find yourself in need of filing a claim. In the event of an unfortunate accident or natural disaster that damages your home, here are some helpful tips on filing an insurance claim:
-Get as much information as possible. Be prepared to report the date and time of the incident, the location and contact number of any property surveyors you might need.
-File your homeowner’s insurance claim with your insurer as soon as possible.
-Don’t allow contractors to begin work without discussing their plan first with your insurance company representative. If they do and something happens, you will be responsible for paying them back yourself.
-Notify your agent when repairs are completed.
Do your research
Filing an insurance claim can be intimidating and frustrating, but if you have done your research on the homeowners insurance attorney Florida as well as having gathered all the needed documentation then it should be no problem.
Get your Homeowner’s policy papers out of the box to make sure that they are up-to-date with all the policy information. Next, contact your agent to obtain an estimate and to let them know about your situation so they can file the claim.
Know how much coverage you need
Claiming your homeowners insurance can be complicated because there are many state regulations you need to adhere to. The good news is that the Florida Department of Financial Services has set up the following 10 tips to make filing your claim as easy as possible:
1. File your claim by contacting your insurance agent. In some cases, claims can be filed by phone or email. Claims may not be accepted if they’re submitted directly from an insured homeowner.
2. Keep copies of all paperwork, including receipts and estimates, in case you’re asked to provide additional information on the cause of damage later on down the line. You should also take pictures that can serve as evidence at a later date (note: photos will be reviewed for tampering).
3. Be aware of what is and isn’t covered by your policy. This information should be available from your insurance agent, or you can ask questions to better understand your insurance contract. Understanding what you’re paying for means fewer surprises when it comes time to file your claim.
Check the fine print
Before you file a homeowner’s insurance claim, there are some important things to consider. You should first speak with your agent and make sure that the incident that caused the damages is covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy. Next, be mindful of any clauses or exclusions in your contract, which might restrict coverage to instances beyond fire and windstorm losses. And lastly, be cognizant of any deadlines if filing a homeowner’s insurance claim against homeowner’s association coverage. Failing to abide by these deadlines could result in failure of an otherwise-valid claim. If you have questions about homeowners insurance claims in Florida, consult with a competent homeowners insurance attorney.
Make a list of all damages
They’ll work with you to assess the damages and develop an estimate of costs. Keep records of any receipts or estimates you get, including pictures of any damages that have occurred to the exterior, interior, personal property or fencing. You should also make copies of anything that’s been stolen during the event such as credit cards, jewelry or documents like W-2s. File claims promptly after an incident so it can be documented correctly. If there is no homeowners insurance attorney Florida close by, find one online before filing the claim. Follow these 10 tips for filing a homeowner’s insurance claim in Florida
1) Make a list of all damages:
2) After being burglarized or your house sustains storm damage, contact your insurance company and file a claim.
3) They’ll work with you to assess the damages and develop an estimate of costs.
4) Keep records of any receipts or estimates you get, including pictures of any damages that have occurred to the exterior, interior, personal property or fencing.
5) You should also make copies of anything that’s been stolen during the event such as credit cards, jewelry or documents like W-2s.
6) File claims promptly after an incident so it can be documented correctly.
Keep records
If you’re lucky, and the weather cooperates, you’ll have your home back to normal after the next few days. But what about the costs? Will you be reimbursed from your homeowner’s insurance company? If not, who will cover the expenses of your sudden housing emergency? It’s always good to know how to work with your insurance company, and here are 10 tips that can help make things easier. The first tip is to keep records. Make sure you document everything! Have photos of your flooded house or fallen tree, keep receipts for supplies used during cleanup efforts, document which items were lost or damaged as a result of the disaster. All these things will come in handy when filing a claim with your homeowner’s insurance company.
One thing many people don’t realize is that they might need an attorney too! Your homeowner’s insurance policy may exclude coverage if there was something unusual about the storm event (like water coming through faulty plumbing) and you need legal representation to get fair compensation.
