Nine Steps to Take after You Suffer from a Property Loss
Have you recently been the victim of a burglary that left many of your belongings destroyed or even stolen? Have unforeseen circumstances destroyed your home? When you suffer from extensive property damage or you have been the victim of theft, you can rest-assured that your homeowners' insurance policy will protect you from these incidents. As a property insurance claims attorney in Miami, FL, we work with many policyholders that have suffered from property damage as they go through the property claims process. After you suffer from damage caused by accidents, severe weather, or burglary, you will want to take these important steps to begin the insurance claims process the right way.
Prioritize Your Safety
One of the first things you need to do is to prioritize your safety. If your house is on fire, get out of your house and find a safe place to congregate with your family. Floods, hurricanes, tornados, and other incidents of extreme weather should be dealt with safely. When you live in an area that is susceptible to storms, you should have a safety plan intact so that everyone knows how to respond to these emergencies.
Call the Police
If you have been the victim of criminal activity, like theft, you should call the police as soon as you are safe. They will immediately come out to your home to assess the state of your property and to take your report to look for those responsible.
Understand Your Insurance Coverage
Are you wondering whether the property damage is covered by your insurance policy? When you are unsure about the coverages of your homeowners' insurance policy, take the time to familiarize yourself with the details of your policy. By staying aware of the fine print of your policy, you prevent your insurance company from taking advantage of you. You also fully understand what compensation you are eligible to receive, which will increase the likelihood of you disapproving of any offers that are too low. If you are struggling to understand your insurance policy, you should contact a professional property insurance claims attorney in Miami, FL to guide you through it.
Call Your Insurance Company
After you are safe and you've reported any criminal activity to the police, you will want to contact your insurance company to file an insurance claim. The earlier you start this process, the sooner you will be able to settle. When a storm passes through your area, you should know that the insurance process may take longer due to the overwhelming amount of insurance claims that have likely been made within the same time frame.
Mitigate Damages
When your property is damaged from water or weather, you will want to take the steps to prevent any additional damages to your property. This may include removing any electronics or valuables from flooding areas, turning off your electric to prevent any electrical accidents from happening when your roof is leaking, or other preventative measures that mitigate damage. By taking these steps, you will show your insurance company that you've done everything that you can to prevent more property damage. If you don't mitigate additional damage, this could work against you in the insurance claims process.
Document Everything
Another important aspect of the insurance claims process is to provide documentation and evidence that shows your property. If you have before and after pictures, these can be incredibly helpful when your property insurance claims attorney in Miami, FL is fighting for a fair settlement. Take pictures, submit receipts, and provide evidence for any property that is lost or damaged in these unforeseen incidents. Although this may seem time-consuming, it is the best way to make sure that you get the settlement you need to rebuild your life and replace your valuables.
Follow Up with Your Insurance Company
As you are going through the insurance claims process, it can become difficult to wait for a settlement from your insurance company. If you are getting impatient, it may be beneficial to follow-up with your insurance agent to understand where they are at in the process. This is especially important if you have any additional documentation of property loss or any new information from contractors, adjusters, or other professionals working with you.
Hire a Property Insurance Claims Attorney in Miami, FL
When you are getting anxious about your insurance settlement, you may want to have the support of a property insurance claims attorney in Miami, FL. By hiring an attorney, you will be able to negotiate the right settlement you need to cover replacements and repairs. After you have been burglarized or your home has been destroyed, you will want to be treated fairly so you can heal and rebuild your life. An attorney will be able to fight for you to get you the settlement you deserve.
Negotiate Your Settlement
Once you hire the services of an experienced attorney, you will be able to provide them with the necessary information and evidence they need to build a case to present to your insurance company. This will open up conversations to negotiate a settlement that you deserve. Having an attorney on your side is a great way to ensure that the insurance company won't present you with an unfair, low, or unreasonable offer to cover lost or damaged property. Even though negotiations will mean that it will take longer to receive your insurance money, they will be worthwhile in the end.
These are a few steps you need to take when your home has been burglarized, your possessions have been stolen or lost, or your property has been damaged by unforeseen circumstances. As you work through the difficult insurance claims process, you want the advocacy of a professional property insurance attorney in Miami, FL on your side. Contact us to hear how we can get you the insurance settlement you deserve today.