Property Insurance Claims

• Notify your insurance company or contact a qualified property insurance lawyer IMMEDIATELY
• Inspect all areas of your home and document with video or photographs any damage or suspected damage
• Make a list of all damaged areas and damaged personal property
• Mitigate your damages and protect your property from further damage. You may need the assistance of a certified, professional mitigation service.
• Do NOT throw away or dispose of any of the damaged property or parts until both you AND your insurance company have had a chance to inspect
• If you need to stay in a hotel or pay for food as a result of the damage, most policies cover those costs (keep receipts).
• Make sure you point out all the areas of damage to the insurance adjuster. Many adjusters will be rushed and may overlook certain areas.
• Insist that your insurance company provide you a copy of their estimate.
• Before allowing anybody to inspect or perform work on your home or business, be sure to verify the licenses and credentials of anyone who works on your home and do not sign any paperwork (such as assignment of benefits) without having a professional assist you in the understanding of such documents

If you are confused or would like assistance, seek the guidance of professionals such as public adjusters (www.fapia.com) or attorneys who specialize in first-party property claims (www.eaglesjustice.com).

If you are not satisfied with your claim payment, then it is important to have a public adjuster or attorney review your claim to give you a second opinion.

Remember, there are always options!