When Can I Repair My Property After I Have an Insurance Claim?

To most individuals, their property, whether commercial or residential property, is their largest and most important financial asset. Typically, it will appreciate in value, giving you an opportunity to financially gain by renovating, selling, or renting out your property. That said, this asset can quickly become volatile and problematic due to property damage caused by a water leak, fire, storm damage, fallen tree, or other incident.
 
When property damage occurs, your first step before beginning repairs is to file an insurance claim. There is a waiting period before repairs can begin.  As a property owner, there are actually further steps you need to take prior to beginning repairs to your property.
 
The following are the necessary steps you need to take before moving forward with repairs.
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#1 File the Claim Immediately      
After ensuring everyone is safe from the property damage, you must take quick action to notify your insurance company of the damage.  However, not every claim is an insurance claim and you must understand what is causing the damage to your property in order to file the correct claim.
 
Since there are certain obligations within your insurance policy that must be complied with, it is important to preserve the evidence and repairs should not begin until the claim process is documented and complete.
 
Insurance companies require an investigation of the damage, the extent of which may vary.  It is important to take emergency measures to protect your property from further damage, but not to complete all repairs prior all inspections being completed.  If any repairs are completed during this stage and the evidence of your damage is removed, it is likely that your insurance company will deny your claim.
 
#2 Wait Until the Claims Process is Complete
The claims process typically takes about 30-90 days to complete. However, the timeframe may be extended depending on the extent of the damage to your property, what documentation is being requested and how many inspections are required by the insurance company. 
 
#3 Complete All Duties After Loss
Every insurance policy outlines duties after loss that you are responsible for completing following property damage. Every policy is different, so make sure that you review your policy and have a good understanding of what the insurance company requires of you.
 
A few common duties after loss include:
 

• Inspection of the damaged property
• Notify the insurance company of any theft or loss
• Protect the property from further damage
• Cooperate with the claim investigation
• Submit to recorded statements by the insurance company
• Send information such as time and cause of loss, inventory of damaged property, specifications of damaged buildings and detailed repair estimates, etc.

 
There are also timelines within which you need to submit this information.  If you fail to comply with any of your duties after loss or begin repairs before the claim is finalized, the insurance company can deny your claim.
 
Has Your Property Been Damaged? 
Has your property been damaged by water, wind, fire, or a water leak? We understand the claims process can be confusing and stressful, especially coupled with the stress of damage to your property.  
 
At Reliant Insurance Adjusters, our licensed public adjusters are experienced with the claim process that follows property damage and more importantly, the deadlines for submission of requested information.  We prepare detailed estimates of damage with photographs.

We are here to assist you with preparing all the necessary documents to submit to your insurance company and guide you through the entire claims process. Contact us today and let us know how we can assist you.