Not all property damage is an insurance claim

​We sometimes receive calls from potential clients stating they need our help because their insurance company denied their claim. When asked what the issue is that caused them to file the claim, some say their windows are leaking and the water ruined their walls and floors.
 
A leaking window, in and of itself, is often not an insurable cause of loss under an insurance policy, nor is the ensuing damage from the water entering your property through the leaky window.  Your insurance company may determine that this is a maintenance issue if the caulk around your windows is cracked or brittle. They may also say that the windows were installed improperly.
 
Surely, this is not something we want to hear when we see damage to our property and we pay our insurance premiums every year.  It is important to understand that our insurance policies cover for “sudden and accidental” causes of loss which includes wind and hurricanes and the damage they cause. Most insurance policies will not cover damage resulting from lack of maintenance or an issue that has been happening over a period of time whether you know about it or not.
 
When you see damage to your property, it is best to call us so we can conduct a free property inspection. This will save you from calling in a claim that can be denied and potentially affect your homeowners insurance rates in the future.