As a public insurance adjuster in the great state of Florida, Liberty Adjusters sees its fair share of homeowners insurance claims. Every day, we help policyholders navigate the complex process of filing a claim and getting their property damage repaired.
Some claims are more common than others, so we thought we'd take this opportunity to educate everyone on what to look out for. Of course, no matter how good your insurance plan is, it won't help prevent the damage from happening, so it's best to be prepared.
Do you have an insurance claim to file? Call Liberty Adjusters! We're public insurance adjusters who work on behalf of the policyholder, not the insurance company. We'll make sure you get every penny you're entitled to under your policy.
Wind and Hail Damage
Florida is no stranger to severe weather, and high winds and hail are some of the most common types of property damage we see. In fact, according to the Insurance Information Institute, wind and hail damage account for nearly one-third of all homeowners insurance claims!
Even a small amount of roof damage can be made a lot worse if it gets wet; tarp your roof after the smallest leak until it is repaired.
Read More > Water Damage Claims
Water Damage
Water damage is the second most common type of homeowners insurance claim, accounting for almost 1/4 of all claims according to the Insurance Information Institute. Most water damage is caused by heavy rains and storms, but it can also be caused by things like leaky pipes or appliances, overflows from tubs or toilets, and even sewage backups!
It's important to understand that standing water isn't as simple as grabbing some towels. Make sure you call a professional to have the water properly dried up. After all, this is part of your duty after loss.
What's duty after loss?
Fire and Lightning
Fire and lightning damage accounts for about 14% of all homeowners insurance claims, according to the IIE. Lightning strikes are most common in Florida during the summer months, so it's important to be extra careful at that time of the year!
If you live in an area that is prone to wildfires, make sure you have a fire evacuation plan in place for you and your family.
Read More > Lightning Damage Claims
Break-Ins and Theft
No one likes to think about their home being broken into, but unfortunately, it does happen. According to the FBI, there were over two million burglaries in the United States in 2016, and Florida ranked 3rd in the nation for burglary rates.
Make sure your home is as secure as possible by investing in things like deadbolts, security systems, and motion-sensor lights. And of course, always make sure you have a good homeowners insurance policy that covers theft.
If your home is broken into and you suffer any damage or loss, make sure you file a police report as soon as possible. This will help a lot when you file your insurance claim.
Non-Theft Damages
Vandalism and malicious mischief account for about three percent of all homeowners insurance claims, according to the IIE. This type of damage can be anything from graffiti to broken windows.
Although we've been able to offer ways to help prevent the other damage, acts of vandalism are much harder to prevent. After all, almost half of all vandalism is committed by someone the victim knows! Having a security system outside is your main line of defense when providing evidence of vandalism for your claim.
Just like a break-in, if your home is vandalized or the victim of a criminal act, make sure you file a police report documenting all the damage.
Call Liberty Adjuster Before You File Your Claim
Now that you understand the most common types of property damage, you may have a better chance at prevention. As we mentioned earlier, no amount of prevention can stop a freak accident; with the number of natural disasters Florida sees, it's always best to be prepared.
Call a public adjuster before you file that claim, such as Liberty Adjusters! The claims process is intentionally confusing, but our adjusters will help make it as stress-free as possible for you. We will negotiate with your insurance company on your behalf to make sure you get the settlement you deserve.
Give us a call today or submit your claim online to get started!