The property insurance claim process can be a stressful and confusing experience. It is important to have the right property insurance lawyers in your corner to help you navigate this process.
There are several key things that you need to know if you have recently filed a property insurance claim in Florida. Following this advice is crucial in ensuring that you get maximum compensation for your property damages.
1. Do Not Wait to Report Your Claim
Insurance providers require home and businesses owners to report their damages in a timely manner.
At minimum, you should notify the insurance company that the damages have occurred. Or, if you are uncomfortable reporting the claim and are unsure what to say or do the lawyers at Cernitz Law can help you report the claim to the insurance company. Do not sign any documentation or make any verbal agreements before speaking with a property insurance attorney.
2. Never Settle with the Insurance Company Without Knowing Your Rights
The insurance company will send an adjuster to evaluate your property and provide an estimate of the damages. This is almost never a fair estimate because this adjuster works for the insurance company.
You deserve to be compensated for all of your losses and damages. Reaching out to a property insurance attorney is the best way to ensure that you obtain a fair settlement for your damages. Never accept an offer from the insurance company without first speaking with an experienced legal representative.
3.) Understanding Your Insurance Policy
Property damage can occur from a wide range of both unexpected natural and unnatural events. Homeowners and/or business owners policy can cover various types of losses. However, the extent and limitations of coverage vary greatly between insurance policies and providers.
Home/Business Owners Insurance Policies May Cover:
· Hail Damage
· Windstorm Damage
· Flood Damage
· Mold Damage
· Hurricane Damage
· Theft/Vandalism Damage
· Fire Damage
· Lightning Damage
· Sinkhole Damage
· Blasting Damage
· Smoke/Soot Damage
· Plumbing Leak Damage (air conditioner leak, water heater leak, fire sprinkler damage; toiler and other types of water back up damage; any kind of plumbing system water discharge/leak damage)
· Water Damage
· Car Crash Damage
Insurance companies are notorious for including exclusions and/or endorsements in the policy fine print that limit coverage. These exclusions and/or endorsements work in favor of the insurance company by permitting them to deny your claim based on details of the circumstances. Speak to a property insurance attorney at Cernitz Law to understand the coverages and exclusions contained within your insurance policy.
4. Evidence is Crucial
Collecting evidence is a crucial part of proving your property insurance. Take clear photographs and video evidence of the damage and surrounding areas. Save all estimates, receipts, any correspondences/communications with the insurance company. Keep notes of all information on file to ensure that everyone stays on the same page.
If there are immediate and temporary repairs needed for safety reasons and/or to mitigate the damages and for protecting the property from further damage, be sure to keep all related receipts. Do not throw any damaged items away. These may be necessary in proving your property insurance.
5. You Will Need a Property Insurance Lawyer on Your Side
Having a property insurance lawyer on your side is the only to ensure that the insurance company will cover the loss and pay out the amount of money that is due. It can be difficult to prove that certain damages occurred without legitimate proof and/or understanding the coverages in the insurance policy.
This is where a property insurance lawyer can step in to help you prove your case. We can help you gather evidence, explain your coverages to you, explain your rights and duties under the insurance policy and have the knowledge and experience to take on the insurance company.
A property insurance law firm like Cernitz Law can help even if the insurance company already denied your claim. Reach out to Cernitz Law to help you recover and win on your behalf.
Florida Property insurances Attorney
You will need an experienced property insurance attorney on your side. The people of Florida choose Cernitz Law for our highly-qualified team of lawyers ready to fight for you.
Contact our team of property insurance legal experts today and let us help you navigate the claims process as well as if your claim has already been denied or underpaid. Call us at 305-370-3255 or visit online to schedule a free consultation.