If your property is damaged and you file a claim with your homeowners' insurance company, you expect it to be approved so that you can make the necessary repairs. There are instances when your property damage claim may be denied. If you feel your claim is justified, the first thing you will need to do is file an appeal. Before you do, you will need to find out why your claim was denied in the first place. Talking to your insurance agent will help you get things squared away.
If you experience any type of property damage, you have a specific amount of time to file your claim. Missing that deadline, even if it is just by a day, can result in your claim being denied and the cost of your repairs coming out of your own pocket. Go through your homeowners' policy and make sure you know what these deadlines are so you don't ever have to worry about missing one. The key is to remember to file any claim as soon as possible.
Not paying your premiums on time or not at all will cause your policy to lapse. If the damage to your home occurs during a lapse in coverage, you will be responsible for all of the necessary repairs. While you may have a short grace period after your actual due date, don't rely on that. Always try to pay your premiums on time.
Making false statements or misrepresenting your claim in any way will not only lead to a denial of your claim, it may also lead to the termination of your homeowners' insurance. It's important to always be as honest as possible when it comes to filling out your claim paperwork. If there is any discrepancy at all, it may look as if you were trying to defraud the insurance company which will result in an immediate denial.
When you file a property damage insurance claim, you will need to provide sufficient documentation to prove how the damage occurred and what it will cost to make the necessary repairs. Documentation can include written estimates, photographs of the damage, or witness statements that verify how the damage occurred and how severe it is.
Every homeowners' policy has exclusions. An exclusion is a peril that is named within the policy that your insurance will not cover. Hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, and sewer backups are just a few exclusions that most policies will not cover unless you buy a supplemental policy. An exclusion clause may also be in place if you have a certain breed of dog, a trampoline, or a swimming pool.
Most insurance companies will provide discounts to homeowners who use preventative measures to protect their homes. Putting in a privacy fence or security system will help to protect your home from vandalism and break-ins. If you don't do anything to protect your home, especially if it's a request from your insurance agent, your carrier may choose to deny any claims they feel could have been prevented.
If you have questions about why a property damage claim was denied, contact the agents at Little & Sons Insurance Services. Our agents are always available to answer any questions you may have.
