Homeowners insurance offers several kinds of important financial protection. Property owners have protection from liability if someone gets hurt in their home. They can also rely on their homeowners insurance to help them cover property damage expenses in certain scenarios.
Fires, criminal activity and inclement weather could all lead to homeowners insurance claims. After a recent snowstorm took Louisiana residents by surprise, some property owners may have discovered damage to their homes. Snow, ice and wind can damage home systems ranging from roofs and foundations to windows and siding.
Those intending to use their homeowners insurance to cover snowstorm damage may benefit from following the three tips below.
1. Document damage quickly
As soon as homeowners discover issues with their property, they may want to use their mobile phones to record video footage or take pictures of the damage. Once they have done so, they may then need to take steps to make temporary repairs to prevent the damage from worsening.
Homeowners may need to put tarps over damaged shingles or temporarily cover broken windows. The process of documenting the damage is important. Homeowners can also protect their property against worsening damage by taking steps to address the damage until professionals can repair the home.
2. Review policy documents
Before contacting the insurance company, it is typically advisable to evaluate what types of coverage are available and what deductibles apply.
In some cases, insurance professionals may try to misrepresent the terms of a policy during claims negotiations. Homeowners need to be aware of what their policy covers and what responsibility they have during a claim to optimize their financial recovery.
3. Consult with an attorney
It is standard practice for insurance professionals to try to limit what they pay on large claims. Insurance companies market themselves as friendly and helpful in part to encourage policyholders to try to handle claims without support.
Anyone dealing with a large insurance claim theoretically has the right to have an attorney represent them throughout that process. Lawyers understand the law as it relates to insurance. They can make sense of complex policy documents. They also know how to recognize manipulative negotiation tactics and effectively counter them.
Property owners hoping to maximize the reimbursements they secure when making a storm damage claim often need support as they interact with the insurance company. By hiring a lawyer before they initiate the claim, they diminish the likelihood of the insurance company tricking them into making mistakes that could limit their compensation.
Preparing carefully before initiating a homeowners insurance claim can help make a major difference for those dealing with snowstorm damage and other property issues. Property owners who take the right steps can potentially maximize what they recover during an insurance claim.