Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing Insurance Claims
TLDR: Avoid These Costly Insurance Claim Mistakes
Don’t delay — file your claim quickly and document all damages.
Know your policy — understand what's covered and what's not.
Avoid early repairs that could interfere with adjuster assessments.
Hire a public adjuster to maximize your payout and reduce stress.
Submit complete, honest information with photos and documentation.
Avoiding these errors can mean the difference between denial and full compensation. For expert help, trust Shoreline Public Adjusters.
Top Insurance Claim Mistakes Homeowners Should Avoid
Filing a home insurance claim can be a stressful and confusing process, especially in the aftermath of a disaster. Whether you're dealing with hurricane damage in Florida, winter storms in Wisconsin, or severe weather in Minnesota, homeowners often make costly errors that can delay or even result in the denial of their insurance claims. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the most common mistakes to avoid when filing insurance claims so you can protect your property, your finances, and your peace of mind.
You’ll learn:
The top mistakes homeowners make when filing claims
Why some claims get rejected
How to avoid errors during the insurance claim process
What to do when submitting property damage claims
Let’s dive in.
Top Mistakes Homeowners Make With Insurance Claims
1. Waiting Too Long to File a Claim
Timing is everything. Most insurance policies have strict deadlines for reporting damage. Waiting too long can not only jeopardize your claim but also raise red flags with your insurer.
2. Not Documenting the Damage Thoroughly
Failing to take detailed photos or videos of the damage before cleaning up is a major misstep. Always document everything before making any temporary repairs.
3. Making Repairs Before the Adjuster Arrives
While it’s okay to make emergency repairs to prevent further damage, doing too much too soon can affect your claim. Insurers need to see the original condition of the damage.
4. Not Understanding Your Policy
Many homeowners don’t fully understand what’s covered in their policy. This leads to assumptions and unexpected out-of-pocket costs.
5. Providing Inaccurate or Incomplete Information
Even minor inaccuracies in your claim can delay the process or lead to denial. Be as detailed and honest as possible when describing the incident.
Common Reasons Home Insurance Claims Get Rejected
1. Lack of Coverage for Specific Events
Certain damages, such as flood or mold, may not be covered under a standard policy. Always review what’s included and consider riders for extra protection.
2. Negligence or Poor Maintenance
If the insurer determines that the damage resulted from neglect rather than a covered event, your claim could be denied. Routine maintenance is key.
3. Missed Deadlines or Late Reporting
Failure to report the incident promptly or missing documentation deadlines is a common reason for denial.
4. Discrepancies Between Your Report and the Adjuster’s Findings
If your version of the damage doesn’t match what the adjuster finds, your claim may be questioned or outright rejected.
5. Suspected Fraud or Misrepresentation
Any exaggeration or falsehood can result in an immediate denial and possible legal consequences.
Avoiding Errors During the Insurance Claim Process
Use a Checklist to Stay Organized
Create a claims checklist: dates, photos, receipts, contact info, and notes from conversations with your insurer.
Keep All Communication in Writing
Always follow up phone calls with emails to create a paper trail. This ensures there’s a record of what was said and agreed upon.
Don’t Assume the Insurance Adjuster is on Your Side
While many adjusters are fair, they ultimately work for the insurance company. Consider hiring a public adjuster to represent your interests.
Stay Calm and Professional
Frustration is understandable, but hostile communication can work against you. Keep all interactions professional.
Mistakes to Avoid When Submitting Property Damage Claims
1. Not Hiring a Public Adjuster
Many homeowners think they can handle the process alone, but public adjusters often secure significantly higher payouts. At Shoreline Public Adjusters, we specialize in maximizing your claim and easing your burden.
2. Overlooking Hidden Damage
Water damage, structural issues, and mold may not be obvious at first. Be thorough in your assessment and insist on full inspections.
3. Undervaluing the Loss
Don’t accept the first offer from the insurer without reviewing it in detail. Public adjusters can help reassess the true value of the damages.
4. Submitting Incomplete Documentation
Missing receipts, photos, or estimates can stall your claim. Double-check that your submission is complete before sending it.
Real-World Example: How a Homeowner Saved Thousands by Avoiding Claim Mistakes
One Naples homeowner experienced roof damage after a hurricane. Initially, the insurance company offered $8,000. After contacting a Public Adjuster, missed damages were identified and negotiated a final payout of $31,500. The key? Thorough documentation, professional representation, and avoiding early filing errors.
Expert Insight
According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average homeowners insurance claim payout is around $13,962, but this amount can vary drastically depending on how the claim is filed.
"Working with a public adjuster can increase your insurance payout by up to 747% compared to filing alone," notes a study from the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA) in Florida.
Conclusion
Filing a successful insurance claim requires more than just reporting damage. By avoiding these common mistakes, you greatly improve your chances of receiving the full compensation you deserve. Whether you’re recovering from hurricane damage, fire, or other property loss, knowledge is your first line of defense.
At Shoreline Public Adjusters, we help homeowners in Florida, Minnesota, and Wisconsin navigate the claims process with confidence and success.
Shoreline Public Adjusters, LLC
780 Fifth Avenue South
Suite #200
Naples, FL 34102Email: hello@teamshoreline.com
Phone: 954-546-1899
Fax: 239-778-9889
