How to Have a Positive Property Damage Claim: Your Guide to Fair Compensation

If one day you come home and find that your possessions are destroyed, or any unexpected property damage has occurred, it is as if you are treading on unfamiliar terrain. It is possible to be compensated for loss through the filing of a property damage claim and eventually get things back to the status they were prior to the incident. Yet, the intricacies of the process could be worth knowing as they can help you save time, avoid mistakes that are expensive, and in the end, achieve a fair settlement. In this article, we will walk you through the process of filing a property damage claim, discuss possible obstacles and explain how Legal Assist may help you throughout the entire process.

What Is a Property Damage Claim?

As the name implies a property damage claim is a claim that seeks to be compensated for the property damage either to your house, vehicle or any property that you might have. Whenever there is damage to property and at least one of them falls into those three categories damage caused by the following – natural calamities, accidents, vandalism, or such other unexpected events then it is what is known as a property damage claim.

Common Types of Property Damage

Since the damage types are what insurance covers, the following can help determine whether you can make the claim:

1. Natural Disasters

Floods, hurricanes, earthquakes and other forms of natural disasters can wreak havoc and damage properties to an extent that is beyond repair. Some of these catastrophes may require add-on policies for insurance however, these disasters could also be included within specific ones.

1. Fire Damage

Fire accidents whether of electrical origin or external in nature result in considerable loss of structures. Most of the time, fire insurance is placed within the context of homeowners’ insurance.

1. Water Damage

It’s common to include provisions for leaks, burst pipes and accidental water seepage under the coverage, though policies differ considerably in regard to the terminology appropriate for their respective coverage. Some policies may limit this to what they describe as ‘sudden and accidental’ water damage, thus excluding long-term problems caused by, say, mold.

1. Theft and Vandalism

Although break-ins or vandalism may need costly repairs, most property insurance can indemnify these losses.

1. Accidental Damage

There are occasions where accidents do occur: there may be the accidental smashing of a window, or a car rammed into the fence. There are instances where property insurance may insure Accidental damage, but it all depends on the nature of the policy.

How to Claim for Property Damage

There are many steps that have to be followed in the process of filing a claim related to property damage. Each step is important in making sure that you get the correct payment and that your claim is successful.

Step 1: Review Your Insurance Policy

The first step in the process is an internal one and is related to the analysis of the insurance policy. This enables you to appreciate the various classes of damage that might be covered, the maximum is the sum insured and excluding any class that might be covered. Insurance policies vary and therefore it is important to understand your rights before making a claim.

Step 2: Record the Damage

Once it is clear to do so, take photographs and videos that show the damage. Make sure that you keep these records as they will be essential in supporting your claim especially if an inspection has to be done after some repairs have been carried out.

Step 3: Call the Insurance Company

As soon as you discover the damage, immediately report it to your insurance company. The company will inform you of appropriate steps to take, what documents you need to send, and any relevant dates that you need to remember.

Step 4: Set Up a Meeting with the Adjuster

Insurance businesses normally dispatch an adjuster to evaluate the destruction and estimate the charges for repair. It is recommended that people attend the inspection in order to provide further details and verify that any items that ought to be included in the report are not omitted.

Step 5: Get Repair Quotes

It may also be the case that quotes from contractors for repair work may assist your case. Having additional estimates can be useful for your claim, particularly if the insurance adjuster’s estimates are based on a figure that appears insufficient to fully cover the repairs.

Step 6: Engage in Negotiation if Required

In the event that the prospective offer for settlement appears to fall short of the expectation, do not be afraid to negotiate. The offer in question may be qualified or opposed, and this is the point where Legal Assist may be of help, giving you the information that might help you prevail in your case.

Claims of Property Damage Assessment Insurance Apprehension

As much as we would like to believe that every claim submitted would be settled without too much turmoil, it is important to have reasonable expectations.

1. Ineffective Time Management in Processing

Insurance companies take their time, and I don’t mean a couple of days, they take weeks, months even to come around to reporting damage on a claim including natural disasters but not limited to them.

1. Settlements that are too low for the value of the loss

Some insurance companies appear to be unwilling to payout beneficial sums of money. Having a point of view and education on the law is a must for winning a claim that feels inexplicably inadequate based on logic.

1. Specific Claims Are Not Covered By Certain Policies

If this type of damage is classified under some exclusion of the policy, then there is a high chance that it may be turned down. An insight into your policy by yourself or through Legal Assist allows establishing whether any refused claim is subject to rebuttal.

1. Lack of Relevant Evidence

In cases where there is no real proof or evidence of loss or damage sustained by a particular agent, there’s no way that compensation was held. Proposition for the type of documentation that would assist in filing an effective claim would be to gather every shred of evidence and writer’s got a lot of them.

How to Make an Insurance Claim for Property Damage

If you take things one step at a time, filing a claim for property damage is not an excruciating experience. The following is a list of best practices:

1. Make Quick Contact

Attempt to get in touch with your insurance provider as soon as possible after the damage has occurred. This way, you are sure that the claim process will be smooth and deadlines won’t be missed.

1. Keep Notes Out of Everything

Be sure you keep a record of each and every step taken regarding your claim with the insurance company. Whether it is a phone call, email, or some other official though small notice, take everything. Not only will organized documents keep you busy through monitoring the progress, it will work as evidence in case you face any hindrances.

1. Contact an Independent Adjuster

Often there is a difference in the assessment of the damage done between the insurance adjuster and yourself. If this is the case, consider hiring an independent adjuster as the second opinion may be vital in this case.

1. Consider Availing Expert Help

Some people try to negotiate the claims on their own which can be exceptionally difficult especially if you are dealing with major losses. Retrieving guidance from someone experienced like Legal Assist can be helpful in this case as it will simplify the entire situation and explain to you about what you need to do to obtain proper compensation.

How Legal Assist Can Assist You with Claims for Property Damage

Filing a property damage claim is both frightening and challenging at the same time and this is something that we here at Legal Assist know as fact. Even though such complex cases can be quite overwhelming, our team is there to hold you at every stage of the case from the time of comprehending legal terms all the way to dealing with the insurance company. Here’s what we have in store for you:

1. Claim Assessment

Whether we will be able to recover the claim amount from the insurance or not will depend on the terms of the policy and severity of the damage to the property; however, we will also counsel on steps to take in case such an eventuality does arise.

1. Documentation Assistance

The most important aspect of any claim is that you need to have all the relevant documents. Allow us to assist with the collation, filing and submission of the claim for you.

1. Negotiation Support

Dealing with insurance companies can be painful when negotiating settlements, but our team will handle everything and try to reach a satisfactory settlement on your behalf.

1. Representation in Disputes

If your claim has been extinguished or a ridiculous offer has been made to you, then Legal Assist can step up on your behalf in conflict resolution and appeals and make sure that justice is served.

Last Words on Property Damage Claims

When it comes to Property damage claims, it is not simply a matter of submitting a claim form; rather, it is important to ensure that you are treated fairly. By being knowledgeable about your policy, collecting ample supporting evidence, and standing up for yourself, you are likely to be able to achieve a satisfactory resolution. And don’t forget, Legal Assist can also help you regarding the claim and its submission by providing all legal help to the customer.

FAQs

1. Which activities amount to property damage?

Property damage is harm or destruction caused to physical assets like property, vehicles or personal items as a result of fire, floods, theft or even vandalism.

1. How long does the process of a property damage claim typically take?

The time frames differ, however most of them take a few weeks to complete. If there’s major damage or if there are arguments between the parties, it may take a couple of months to resolve the case.

1. If the damage was caused accidentally, will I still be able to bring a property damage claim?

Yes, most accidental damage is covered by most policies. However, it is wise to read the policy particulars because some policies only cover certain kinds of accidents.

1. What can I do when my property damage claim is rejected?

You have the option and the right to appeal if your claim is disallowed. Reaching out to such professionals as Legal Assist can give you an idea as to what went wrong and what should be done next.

1. What do I have to do so that Legal Assist can assist me in filing my property damage claim?

They walk you through every step from paperwork to arguments so that you will receive what is due to you. We act on your behalf in such arguments and also make it easier to file a claim in the first place.