The most important thing to know: You DO NOT have to accept the offer the insurance company gives you! In fact, you should never accept the first offer. It’s almost guaranteed to be too little for your needs.
When you purchase insurance, you are entering into a contract with an insurance company. In exchange for your premium payments, the insurer agrees to provide coverage for certain risks. It is important to understand what your insurer is obligated to do and what you can expect from the claims process.
Most insurance policies contain a section called “What We Cover.” This section outlines the specific risks that are covered by the policy. For example, a homeowner’s policy might cover damage caused by fire, wind, or theft. It is important to read this section carefully so that you know what is covered and what is not.
If you need to file a claim, the first thing you should do is notify your insurer. You will likely be asked to fill out a claim form and provide documentation of the damages. Once the claim is filed, an adjuster will be assigned to investigate. The adjuster will determine whether or not the damages are covered by the policy and how much money should be paid out. If you are not satisfied with the adjuster’s decision, you can ask for a review by another person at the insurance company.
It is important to remember that insurance companies are businesses and their goal is to make money. They will often try to minimize the amount they have to pay on claims. However, if you understand your coverage and follow the proper procedures, you should be able to get the full benefit of your policy.
What to do if you’re not happy with the repairs or the settlement amount
If your home has been damaged in a storm or other disaster, you may be wondering what to do if you’re not happy with the repairs or the settlement amount. The first step is to contact your insurance company and explain the situation. You should have a valid and detailed estimate in hand. You can’t speak to them without having a clear and documented number for them to look at.
If they are unwilling to negotiate, you may need to hire an attorney. In some cases, it may be necessary to file a lawsuit. However, it is important to remember that the legal process can be time-consuming and expensive.
If you are not confident in your ability to navigate the legal system, you may want to consider using a public adjuster. Public adjusters are professionals who specialize in negotiating with insurance companies. They can often help you get a fair settlement without having to go to court.
Before doing any of that, however, you can “fight fire with fire” by having a detailed, professional quote created that speaks the insurance company’s language. Don’t start this process without a quote that represents the goal of your negotiations. Very often, when you have a truly complete quote in hand, the insurance company will give you the money simply because they know that what you’ve presented is the real cost.
No one wants to do this
No one wants to have to file an insurance claim, but unfortunately, sometimes it’s unavoidable. Knowing what to do and what to expect can help make the process go as smoothly as possible. And if you’re not happy with the settlement amount, there are options for appealing the decision.
Have you had any issues with your property insurance company?
