Property damage claims are challenging, to say the least. There is so much information involved, on top of ensuring that your claim complies with all relevant laws and regulations. While you are waiting for the process to play out, your property is left in a state of limbo. When you can’t afford to foot the bill for repairing or replacing your property, there are numerous ways it can impact your life.
Health Impacts from Flood Damage
Flooding brings water that is potentially riddled with bacteria, parasites and other contaminants that can get into food and drinking water. It is untenable for most people to remain in their homes when the property is flooded. Business owners cannot risk the health of staff or visitors and need to close until the issue is resolved.
These impacts are often a direct result of a delayed property damage claim. When an individual or business has no other way to rectify flood damage, the only option is to move out of the property. It is important to stay in contact with the insurance company to ensure that your home or area is on the radar. You should begin the process of hiring a contractor as soon as possible – especially if your property is in the middle of a disaster area.
Getting a Reasonable Contractor Quote
It is not possible for most people to assess property damage and match the cost to contractor quotes. If your property suffers storm, flood or fire damage you will need to secure the services of a contractor. During a major disaster, everyone in the affected area will be vying for the contractors who offer the most competitive rates.
If your property insurance claim is delayed for any reason, you have no way of moving forward with repairs and may miss the opportunity to work with a reliable contractor. Always report damage to your property, regardless of whether the entire area has been impacted by a weather event or natural disaster. The worst that can happen is finding out that the insurance company is already aware of the damage through drone assessment.
The Cost of Claim Discrepancies
A delayed claim may mean that the insurance company is about to dispute the cost of repairs, resulting in a lower payout than expected. You do not have to accept the amount the insurance company offers. If you believe the offer is too low, you can hire an independent insurance adjuster to carry out an assessment of the damage to your property. Hiring an independent insurance adjuster only makes sense if the cost of their services is much lower than the discrepancy.
Alternatively, speaking to an experienced property damage insurance claims lawyer may help. Ligori & Sanders Attorneys at Law can provide excellent support and guidance through the property damage insurance claims process. Call our offices today for a free consultation to determine if our services suit your needs. Our experienced insurance claims team is waiting to provide the advice and guidance you need.
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