Your homeowner’s insurance policy is just like any other contract; the devil is in the details. You’ll need to familiarize yourself with your agreement to get the most out of what you’re paying for and ensure you’re getting a good deal.
One curiosity many insurance holders have is the timeframe they have for making a claim. This is particularly relevant when a destructive storm passes through your area and there isn’t time to quibble over specifics. Sudden emergencies are also much easier to navigate if you know the facts in advance of a claim, rather than struggling to find them at the last minute.
Today we’ll find out how long you have to make a claim and what scenarios are most appropriate for an insurance claim according to insurance claim lawyers.
Check the Wording in Your Contract
Homeowner insurance policies have much in common; they all serve a similar purpose. The primary source of the differences is in the language they use. Slight variations in legal jargon can make a world of difference.
Most insurance contracts have a section called “Duties After Loss.” This is sometimes referred to as “Duties After Occurrence” if it’s an older contract. The appropriate timeframe for making a claim, among other things, is stated somewhere in this section. The language used is interpreted differently depending on the provider you’re working with.
The duties after loss section will say something along the lines of “Provide written notice to us, or our representative, as soon as possible” or “… as soon as is feasible.” The insurance company may require immediate or prompt notification. Others will ask for it within a reasonable timeframe. You’ll find most of the words used in this section are vague and don’t give a specific timeframe.
Homeowner insurance is there to protect you from damages, but the wording is also to protect the provider from abuse. It’s in your best interest to notify your provider as soon as possible, even if there’s no set timeframe. Making a claim too late may reduce the amount you get back or nullify the claim altogether.
What Should You Make a Claim For?
You read your contract. It’s confusing. Do you call? The homeowners insurance claim lawyers at Silver, Bass & Brams can help. Not only can they help explain your homeowners insurance policy, but they can assist you with whether or not it is worth it for you to file a claim
Some situations warrant this action even when it seems that you shouldn’t commit. It’s important to know claims are and aren’t necessary.
For example, you hear a loud noise during a stormy night. The next day, you find one of your large trees blown over near your house. Luckily, you see that it did not touch your home. There is no purposes in making a claim.
However, if you see that some branches did strike your home, you may want to call the homeowners insurance claim lawyers at Silver, Bass & Brams. The damages may look small on the outside, by our experienced attorneys, and the network of experts they employ, know from experience that you may have punctured the roof, burst water pipes, exposed some electrical wires or even cracked the foundation. Damage that may look like nothing on the outside may be serious in areas not apparent to the eye. The perfect conditions for mold growth may have been created. This is why it’s important to call and rely on the attorneys at Silver, Bass & Brams, who are experts in dealing with such situations.
Don’t be fooled — insurance providers are NOT lenient in cases where the damages are hidden or not easily seen. In fact, may insurance policies contain language that excludes claims that are reported late, even if you did not know about the damages because they were hidden. Most homeowners don’t know this. Thus, it’s better to play it safe and at least request a consultation with the homeowners insurance claim lawyers at Silver, Bass & Brams.
Thus, in considering when the best time is to make a homeowner’s insurance claim — doing so right away is your best bet. Waiting too long can result in the insurance company denying your claim – and causing you financial hardship and, potentially, putting your family’s health and safety at risk.
Do you need assistance from an attorney that specializes in homeowners insurance claims? Silver, Bass & Brams provides every client with a free consultation. Best of all, we only get paid if you do. Call us now, the consultation is FREE.
