Making certain home insurance claims mistakes may result in your claim being denied. However, many of these mistakes can be easily avoided. The following are a few common mistakes that you should avoid while filing homeowners insurance claims.
- Not Knowing What Your Policy Contains
Not knowing what your policy contains is a big no-no. Instead, talk to your insurance provider and find out what your policy contains. Your insurer will be able to help you understand in detail what is covered and what is not. They can also tell you if additional coverage is needed for floods or other natural disasters. Knowing what is excluded from your policy will keep you from filing unnecessary claims.
- Not Knowing What You Own
If you don’t know what you own, you won’t know how much insurance you need. Instead of not knowing what you own, start itemizing your possessions and create a complete inventory. Knowing what you have and how much those items are worth will allow you to make sure everything is sufficiently covered. It’s also a good idea to give a copy of your inventory to your insurer.
- Waiting Until It’s Too Late to File a Claim
If you experience any type of damage, you need to file your claim as soon as possible. If you wait too long, you may not be able to file a claim. Many insurance policies include a deadline to file claims. Missing that deadline will mean that you won’t be compensated for your loss. Always remember to file your claim immediately after an event has occurred.
- No Documentation
Not having any documentation is another big mistake. Always record any event that causes damage to your home or property. Keep detailed notes and always get as many pictures as possible. The more pictures you have of the incident, the more likely your claim will be approved.
- Filing Too Many Claims
Filing too many claims is also a big mistake. Instead of filing several small claims, make any affordable repairs on your own. Doing so will save you money in the long run.
Insurance doesn’t have to be complicated. If you know how to avoid the most common home insurance claims mistakes, you will save yourself a lot of time and trouble. Call our agents at Locke Insurance Group today and find out how you can avoid common insurance pitfalls. Schedule your appointment today!