When your property sustains damage after a hurricane, your natural instinct will be to get things back on track as soon as possible so you can continue business as usual. However, it’s easy to make crucial mistakes with your insurance claim when you act too hasty. Be prepared to learn how to avoid these mistakes the next time you have to file a claim. Your public adjusters at Altieri Insurance Consultants in Tampa are here to lend a helping hand with our hurricane claim services!
1. Attempting Clean-Ups and Repairs
Cleaning up any bit of evidence before you call a professional can work against your favor when filing a claim with your insurance provider. This simple act can prevent you from being able to prove the gravity of the damages to your insurance company, thus leaving you with a lower offer than what is fair. Don’t touch a single thing until you call your local public adjuster.
2. Not Gathering Proper Evidence
Taking a photo of the damages isn’t always enough to prove your case. Your photos need to properly show the extent of the damage, as well as every instance of damage that’s included in your report. You will also need a complete inventory of items that were damaged and any invoices for repairs. People often make the mistake of disposing of damaged items after taking photos and videos, but keeping the damaged items on hand can also be useful if you run into any disputes with your insurance provider.
3. Failing to Account For Every Type of Damage
Wind damage isn’t the only type of damage that can occur during a hurricane. You can experience water damage from rain and floods, or you can encounter fires from exposed electrical outlets. For the best offer for your hurricane insurance claim, be sure to include every type of damage to your property. At Altieri Insurance Consultants, we can assist you with:
4. Procrastinating In Filing Your Claim
One of the biggest mistakes that people make is waiting too long to file their insurance claim, and by that time, the chances of receiving an offer become limited. Filing a claim while you feel like you’re not mentally ready can be a challenge, but leaving it to a public adjuster is the best route to take in this case. A public adjuster will handle your claim for you, representing you when contacting your insurance provider.
5. Not Factoring In Living Expenses During the Wait
While going back and forth with your insurance provider, you may have a period of time when you will need to stay at a hotel or pay for transportation until you receive an offer for your hurricane claim. What many people don’t realize is that you can include these living expenses in your claim since these count as necessary expenses that are out of your control. Be sure to keep receipts for everything, including meals (since you may be without a kitchen).
6. Taking the First Offer Given By Your Insurance
It can take weeks, even months, to hear back from your insurance provider. But no matter how long you’ve been waiting, you should refrain from accepting the first offer that they give you. Chances are, they won’t offer you what you are justly owed and will count on your impatience to drive a hasty decision. Take a moment to reflect on the offer and hire a public adjuster who can help you receive a larger, or more fair, amount.
Let Altieri Insurance Consultants Handle Your Hurricane Claims!
Before rushing into things and making costly mistakes, call your trusted public adjusters at Altieri Insurance Consultants in Tampa! We will take care of the situation for you to help you receive a better offer for your hurricane claim. Take a look at our hurricane case studies to see why you should trust our team!
The Partner Property Owners Rely On.
