When I got my kids a dog, I had no idea that it could affect my homeowners insurance. I happened to run into my insurance agent in the store when I was buying dog food and he asked me what kind of dog we had. When I told him, he said I should stop in the office the next day. I had no idea that things like this could affect premiums, so I started asking what else could do it as well. I created this site to help others understand some of the finer points of homeowners insurance and what they should think about to manage their rates.
Homeowners invest in home insurance policies to have protection when they need it. So, when a homeowner submits a claim and it is denied, it is not a good feeling. More often than not, it is possible to avoid this sort of scenario. Learn more about what claims typically get rejected, so that you can avoid this outcome.
Outdated Policy
You should have a great relationship with your insurance company, but it does not mean that it must be long-term. Homeowners should routinely shop around the market to ensure their coverage is updated based on their current demands. If you have an older policy that is absent many of the newer conveniences, you are more likely to be denied. Be sure to shop around.
Wear and Tear
In short, insurance is meant for accidents. It is not meant to cover the normal wear and tear maintenance that comes with being a homeowner, such as an aged air conditioner system. If the inspector determines the damage is from age or regular wear, the claim will likely be denied, unless there was a mishap that contributed to the damage, such as a lightning strike that targeted the unit.
Deductible Threshold
A near-immediate denial is common when the cost to repair the damage is less than the deductible. The deductible is the amount that the homeowner agreed to pay before the insurance company will pay anything. Therefore, if the cost to repair is $700 and your deductible is $1,000, the insurance company will deny the claim.
Documentation
Owners receive a list of required documentation when they submit a claim; this list is not a suggestion. If you fail to submit any piece of this information, such as a professional estimate, the insurance company will likely deny the claim. Thankfully, if you submit the information, the insurance company will typically revisit the claim.
Time Limits
Insurance policies typically outline the window of time you have to file a claim after the damage occurs, such as 6 months. Let this period expire and your claim will automatically be denied. Filing a claim as soon as you detect the issue is always best not just in terms of avoiding a denial, but also for minimizing the extent of the damage.
Homeowners insurance companies are here to help. If you have plans to file a claim, do not hesitate to ask questions and collect information before doing so to avoid any hardship.
Share14 June 2021
