Tips for Filing an Insurance Claim

If you have observed damage to your home, you may have considered filing an insurance claim. Here are
a few things to be mindful of when beginning this process:

1. 1) When reporting the damage, the sooner the better: It is best practice to report the
   damage to your insurance company as soon as you first observe it. There are many reasons for
   this but primarily for the following:
   1. Statute of limitations: Due to recent legislation in Florida,
      homeowners have one year from the date the damage occurred to report the loss to
      their insurance company. If this deadline passes, your claim will be denied.
   2. Prompt notice: Most insurance policies require homeowners to report the loss
      promptly. While “prompt notice” is not defined in most policies, it can be a reason for
      your insurance company to deny your claim.
   3. Fresh details: When reporting your loss, your insurance company will have several
      questions for you pertaining to the loss. Reporting your claim as soon as you observe it
      will allow you to recall as much detail as accurately as possible.
2. Your carrier may request a recorded statement: When reporting your claim, your insurance
   company may request to take a telephonic recorded statement. They will ask you several
   questions all pertaining to the assessment of your claim and which they will use as a factor in
   deciding whether to approve or deny your claim. Amongst others, questions such as: when did
   you first observe the loss, what did you specifically observe was damaged, and in what areas of the
   home did the damage occur, will be asked. Remember that the quality of your responses can
   impact the outcome of your claim determination.
3. Requests for documentation and sworn proofs of loss: Finally, your insurance company may
   request documents from you to help evaluate your claim. It is important to retain all
   expense receipts for the purchase of repairs, photographs or videos of damage, estimates for
   repairs, and any other documentation that may aid in documenting the loss. Your insurance
   carrier may also request that you fill out a document known as the Sworn Proof of Loss. This
   document will require you to detail the amount of money you are claiming for damages. Keep in
   mind that all damages must be accounted for in this document or you risk being able to get
   compensated fully.

Ustena Fam, Esq.