Reasons Why Your Storm Damage Claim Got Denied
Storms can cause a tremendous amount of damage to your property. Not only do they put your safety at risk, but they can also leave you with costly repairs. This is why having homeowners insurance is essential. But sometimes, despite having insurance coverage, storm damage claims get denied. It can be frustrating not to receive compensation when you thought you had coverage. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some common reasons why storm damage claims get denied, so you can avoid them in the future.
1. Late Reporting
One of the most common reasons why storm damage claims get denied is that homeowners fail to report the damage on time. Most policies have a deadline for reporting damage. Waiting too long to report the damage could lead to suspicion that the damage occurred for another reason or that the damage was not significant enough to warrant a claim. Be sure to report the damage immediately to avoid any problems with your claim being denied.
2. Lack of Maintenance
Storm or wind damage can sometimes be attributed to a lack of maintenance on the property. It’s essential to keep up with regular maintenance to ensure that your property is in good condition, especially before the storm season. Some insurance companies won’t cover damage that could have been prevented by regular maintenance, and hence, your claim could get denied.
3. Insufficient Coverage
Another common reason why storm damage claims get denied is that homeowners do not have enough insurance coverage. It’s crucial to review your insurance policy annually with your insurance agent to ensure that you have adequate coverage to protect yourself and your property in the event of a storm. If you don’t have sufficient coverage, your claim could get denied.
4. Neglecting to Mitigate Damage
Once you notice storm damage, the first step is to prevent further damage. Neglecting to mitigate damage or make temporary repairs could result in a claim getting denied. It’s always good to document the repairs you’ve made because they could be needed when filing a claim.
5. Unnecessary Additions and Alterations
Your insurance policy typically covers only the property you’re insuring. Any addition or alteration to the property should be declared to your insurance company and insured accordingly. Failing to do so could mean that any damage that occurs to those additions won’t be covered by your insurance. Ensure that you declare any additions or alterations you’ve made to the insurance carrier to cover them and avoid claim denial.
Conclusion
It's critical to understand the reasons why storm damage claims get denied so that you can be better prepared to file a claim successfully before a disaster strikes. Make sure you have your policies in order, maintain the property, notify the agent as soon as possible, document everything, and review the policy annually. If your claim has been denied, reach out to a public insurance adjuster who can help you to negotiate with your insurance provider. At Five Star Claims Adjusting, we're a team of experts who are skilled in negotiating with insurance companies to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. If you're looking for insurance loss adjuster in Orlando, FL, contact us today to schedule a free inspection.
