However, the majority of homeowners affected by these tornados are starting the process of filing residential insurance claims after losing their homes and personal belongings or sustaining serious property damage in the storm.
As an insurance claim litigation attorney, I have seen many innocent victims not get the compensation they deserve from their insurance companies. Unfortunately, most people accept what the insurance companies tell them and do not realize that they can appeal.
In order to get the most from your insurance company, it is important to do the following:
- Have a home inventory list that has been updated within the last year. A document would be fine, but a video of your property inside and out would be the best. This video can be kept in an offsite location so you can access it in the event a tornado destroys your home.
- Don’t clean up or throw away anything after the storm until your insurance company has seen the damage. It is wise to take pictures of the damage and document it before repairing anything. However, you have an obligation to put tarps over your leaky roof or board up windows to prevent future damage to your home.
- Talk to an insurance claim attorney before filing a claim with your insurance company. A lawyer skilled in this area of law can help you avoid costly mistakes. For example, there is a big difference between telling the insurance adjustor that your home suffered damage due to flooding and explaining that the violent winds tore a hole in your roof and allowed water to come in. It is essential to communicate clearly in order to avoid having your residential insurance claim denied or undervalued.
We have helped many people get what they rightfully deserve by negotiating with their insurance companies. If you want to make sure you get the highest coverage under your insurance policy, call an experienced insurance claim litigation attorney at the Voss Law Firm at 888-614-7730 for a free consultation today.
