After years of paying in premium dollars, you may have filed a claim following a natural disaster such as a tornado or a hurricane – only to discover that your homeowner’s insurance company has decided to pay out very little, or worse yet, making it difficult for you to obtain any type of reimbursement whatsoever.
Unfortunately, policy holders are oftentimes faced with complicated issues after their home has been damaged – even if the damage has been caused by a covered peril. Yet, there are some important tips to keep in mind that can help to make your claim go much more smoothly. By following these, you can be more assured of a positive experience should you have to file a claim down the road.
First, one of the very best ways to prepare for an insurance claim is to ensure that you have a sufficient amount of coverage in the first place. In order to do so, it is important to have a good understanding of the following key components on the policy:
- What is being covered?
- What peril is being insured?
- When is coverage being provided?
- Are there any limitations on the coverage?
In many instances, most properties are under-insured. With that in mind, it is important to be sure that you have enough protection on your property in order to be adequately reimbursed should a covered natural disaster strike. It is also wise to know what is specifically excluded from the policy. For example, damage from floods is usually excluded from most homeowner’s insurance policies. Knowing this can prevent any surprises in the future.
It is also important to be prepared for natural disasters. For instance, during hurricane season in Florida, be sure that your home is ready with adequate protection for windows and other vulnerable areas, and that outdoor furniture and other potential flying debris is ready to be safely secured. Doing so can oftentimes prevent a costly event down the road.
Has your homeowner’s insurer seemed to disappear after you filed a claim? Are you not receiving the proper coverage that was promised in the policy? Contact us. We represent clients throughout Florida in obtaining the benefits that they deserve from their insurers.