I always encourage you to be honest and transparent when making a claim of any other type for damage to your property. However, there are certain things you should avoid saying to ensure that your claim is processed fairly and accurately.
People often feel the need to explain things out loud. Don’t do that with insurance companies because they’re like the police; Everything you say can and will be used against you. Be truthful but mindful of what you’re saying. You can’t plead the 5th with your insurance company but you can choose your words wisely.
Here are some examples of things you should avoid saying to your insurance company:
- “It’s not a big deal.” Downplaying the extent of the damage gives the wrong impression. Don’t give your insurance company the impression your issue is not worth their time and resources. You want them to take your loss seriously, so your issues get taken care of ASAP. It is better to let them know you care about your property.
- “It’s been like this for a while.” This suggests that the damage has been neglected or that you’re trying to claim for pre-existing damage. It’s important to report water damage to your insurance company as soon as you become aware of it. If it’s something you didn’t notice for a while, there is no need for you to speculate on anything.
- “I can fix it myself.” Trying to repair the damage yourself without professional assistance could result in further complications or invalidate your claim. You have insurance so you can be taken care of during these types of events. Having professional companies do the mitigation and repair work can protect you from future issues.
- “I’m not sure what caused the damage.” It’s essential to identify the source of the water damage to determine whether it’s covered by your policy. If you’re unsure, it’s best to seek professional help before talking to your insurance company. The first call during a water damage event should always be to a plumber or water restoration company. Let the professionals identify and correct the issue. They will also be able to help you explain things to your insurance company.
- “I don’t have any documentation or photos.” Providing evidence of the damage can help support your claim and ensure that it’s processed accurately. It’s important to document the damage as soon as possible with photos, videos, and written descriptions. You should be taking photos and video immediately because documentation is what protects you most.
What should I say to the claims adjusters or insurance people?
You should always be polite and friendly as well as truthful. You do not want to say anything untrue to anyone about your insurance claim. It won’t go well if they uncover deception. That doesn’t mean you have to admit any fault, even partial responsibility, for whatever happened. Often, the less you say, the better. There are no good reasons for you to offer any theories or explanations about the damage.
You want insurance companies to base their conclusions on the documentation and facts. It is important to remember that you can face charges for lying to insurance companies about damages. Honest, polite, and fairly short exchanges are the way to go.
It is often best to let your restoration service providers explain things and settle up with your insurance company. A good restoration company will explain everything you need to know and make sure to protect your interest as well as their own reputation.
Good mitigation companies will limit your damage and only do what needs to be done to ensure you’re not using more money on mitigation than needed. A fantastic restoration company will save you money all the way through the rebuild until your property gets that 2nd Chance it deserves.
Keep in mind, your insurance cap is just that, a cap. You don’t want to use more money than you need to restore your property to a pre-loss condition because it does affect your insurance any time you make a claim.
Final Thoughts
With a little knowledge about what to say or not say, homeowners have a much better chance of being whole after a water damage event. It is my hope this little blog can perhaps someone avoid making costly mistakes.
