How to Prevent Property Damage Insurance Claims Denials
A property damage insurance claim denial is often more shocking than property damage. False assumptions are frequently made that being a good customer and paying insurance deductibles on time results in the insurance company approving a claim when your property is damaged. Insurance claims denials in Arizona and California keeps you from the financial help you need, creating more paperwork and frustration and may result in necessary legal action.
Know the Details of Your Policy
Many people know what their insurance policy includes but are unfamiliar with what type of damage may not be covered under a policy. Become familiar with policy coverage to prevent surprise insurance claims denial when you experience property damage.
Follow the Filing Procedures
It is understandable to be distracted by the details of an event after property damage occurs. However, failing to notify your insurance company within the appropriate filing time can prevent you from collecting critical compensation. It is always recommended that property damage be reported immediately.
Possessing Insufficient Documentation
Failing to document property damage adequately can lead to denying a claim in Arizona and California. Slow down and take pictures and videos to capture the extent of the damage and what property has been affected by the event. Get in writing or document how long you should retain the damaged property for an adjuster’s in-person inspection.
Missing Premium Payments and Deadlines
Failing to pay your premiums on time and letting a policy lapse is a sure way to have a claim denied. The insurance industry is a transactional industry that requires payment for its services. When you fail to pay a premium, your contract with the insurance company has been broken.
Failing to Protect Your Property Further
Damaged property and adjacent possessions that may be damaged from the initial incident must be protected against further damage. For example, having a tree fall on a home’s roof and cause damage during a storm does not permit the homeowner to allow rain to continue to damage the home’s structure and interior indefinitely or have additional damaged items replaced in a claim.
When it is safe, take appropriate measures to prevent further damage to other property. Securing a property protects your assets and helps prevent an insurance claim denial.
Filing a Questionable Claim Using False Statements
An insurance adjuster will likely inspect the property damage as part of the claims approval process. Overstating the property damage you have suffered, making claims of securing the site when no intervention was taken, or creating a false scenario to receive a claim will likely be recognized by an insurance adjuster who will compare your statement to the actual site and note discrepancies that may lead to the denial of a property damage claim.
Avoid an Insurance Claim Denial
Filing a property damage claim can be overwhelming and time-consuming. Shortcuts will only make the process more frustrating and may lead to your claim being denied. Be ready for disaster by:
- Knowing your policy limits to avoid surprise claims denials
- Contact the insurance company immediately
- Paying insurance premiums to prevent a breach of contract and avoid coverage disruption
- Documenting the damage. It’s better to over-document than under-document the damage.
Recognize bad faith insurance practices and seek legal advice from the San Diego property damage attorney when your claim has been unfairly denied. Insurance companies are required to explain their reason for a denial. Not all claims denials are justified, and seeking representation can protect you from unfair financial loss.