What Everyone Needs to Know Before Filing a Claim

12/1/2021 (Permalink)

When disaster strikes your home, sometimes your first reaction is to panic and call your insurance company to file claim. Sometimes that isn't a good idea because your deductible maybe higher than the damage itself. It is best to call a restoration company like SERVPRO of Athens and get an inspection before you file a claim. 

There are some basic rules to follow when filing a claim:

Check with your agent or assigned adjustor to verify you're covered for the claim. Sometimes after heavy rains and hurricanes, homeowners think they have flood insurance when they actually don't. Traditional homeowners' insurance does not cover water damage caused by floods. It is a separate coverage underwritten by the federal government through the National Flood Insurance Program. If you file a claim with your insurance company for something that isn't covered, the claim doesn't go away from your record. 

If you consistently file claims, your rates are going to be high. It's not unusual for a homeowner to file up to two claims in a 10-year period, but more than one or two in a three-year time span will cause the insurance company to think you're a high risk. 

Do not submit claims for what can usually be a home-maintenance project (small incidents). Also, a better maintained home gets better premiums. 

Call SERVPRO of Athens to provide you a free estimate on your damages. We will let you know if the damage is less or more than your deductible. After you receive our estimate, you can decide whether to file a claim. To learn more about SERVPRO's Emergency Ready Profile, you can visit ready.SERVPRO.com or call SERVPRO of Athens at (706)549-3366 to schedule an appointment.