Do's & Dont's
(click the toggle)
Do
Don't
-
1) Photograph and video tape EVERYTHING that was damaged from multiple angles.
Why, having pictures of before and after will help to show that it was in fact caused by the loss.
2) Document EVERYTHING that happened.
Why, You will possibly be asked to give an Examination Under Oath (EUO) which is a statement as to what happened, and is given under oath. Memories can fade and you may recall it slightly differently later down the road or chose a different word to describe something. This may be used against you and you want to be sure that you have exactly what happened written down so there is no question as to what your official statement is. Make a recording or written log of everything.
3) Spend at least your deductible amount on temporary repairs which are specifically related to the attempt at mitigating (stopping) your damages from getting worse. For Example. A Pipe bursts in your bathroom. You would want to shut the water off if possible. Call a plumber for emergency service, tell them you will need a detailed repair invoice including a statement as to what happened and caused it to happen. If you repair it yourself, be sure to have before, during, and after repair.
4) Call us or your insurance company immediately after the loss.
-
1) Do not neglect to stop further damages from occurring.
Why, it is your duty to do everything within your means to stop further damage from occurring.2) Do not sign a ” Release of Claim” for any reason until you have consulted with a Public Adjuster or Attorney for advice.
Why, They will often include confusing language and once signed there is no going back for more money in the event there were unforeseen damages which were not discovered originally. The claim at that point is closed forever.
However, in the event you do sign one, there are a few ways that it may be over turned IF the Insurance Carrier acted in a manner constituted as Bad Faith in coercing you to sign the release.
3) Do not hire an unlicensed contractor. You have no protections when you hire an unlicensed contractor, and getting your money back for uncompleted work may prove a daunting and time consuming task, with which you may never fully recover.
4) Do not pay a public adjuster up front, or out of funds, which you received prior to getting them involved. If they ask for this RUN, it is actually illegal for them to ask this. The only thing you can expect to pay for on the rare occasion would be expert reports such as mold testing, engineering reports, and the like on an as needed basis and at the time that the report is completed.
5) Do not sign an Assignment of Benefits to a Contractor. This gives them control of your claim to negotiate whatever they wish. You may sign a direction of payment which allows them to bill the insurance directly for work completed. It is best to have a public adjuster or attorney review this before signing though, verbiage can sometimes be tricky and imply a different meaning than you may interpret.
6) Do not lie or embellish anything to your insurance company. Make all statements short and to the point.
7) Do not risk yours’ or your family’s safety for any reason. Material items can be replaced, your life can not.
Seconds
60