Mistakes You Can Make When Claiming Your Homeowner's Insurance

Homeowners’ insurance policies protect you from a variety of problems, such as fire, theft, vandalism, and water damage. Most homeowners really don’t understand what they actually own when it comes to insurance. Mistakes are made when people make category assumptions on what is covered and therefore think they have coverage that they do not.

And, claiming insurance can be complicated. Here are some mistakes people make when claiming on their homeowner’s policy:

Lack Of Proof

To get homeowners insurance, you will have to provide proof that you live in your home. This proof can come from a variety of documents, including a copy of your mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a copy of your lease. However, these documents are not always easy to obtain.

It is important to have a clear record of what you own and its value to help you make a proper claim. Keep receipts, invoices, and appraisals that show items' current value.

Not Reporting Damage

If you've experienced a natural disaster or accident, your insurance company will expect to be notified as soon as possible. It can take time for them to assess the damage, and the longer you wait, the less likely you are to receive full compensation.

Not Having The Right Documents

The biggest mistake you can make is forgetting to produce the proper documents. When an insurance agent asks for proof of insurance, it's usually because they want to see proof of coverage. Generally, you shouldn't need to provide proof of coverage until a claim is filed.

Filing Your Claim Too Early

Once you have submitted the claim, the insurance company has 30 days to decide whether or not to pay it. But if you file your claim early, and the insurance won't pay it. 

Not Being Upfront With Your Insurance Company

Since filing a claim involves disclosing personal information, it's always a good idea to be upfront with your insurance company. If your insurance company finds out later that you were dishonest, it could deny your claim.

Final Word

The claims process can be complicated. Make sure you have a clear understanding of how to file claims and some clear guidelines on when to contact your insurance company. Contact an experienced insurance agent so he can walk you through the process. Familiarizing yourself with your policy will help you make better claims.