When can I repair my property when I have an insurance claim?

If you love the peace and tranquility of your home as much as I do, then you certainly wouldn’t want it disrupted in any way. There are times, and it has happened to me, when you have property damage from a either a leak, a fire, a hurricane and so on and your home life is completely disrupted.  All you want to do is get back to normal and repair your home.
 
Wait! Before you rush to repair your property, you need to know what your “Duties After Loss” are within your insurance policy so you do not jeopardize your insurance claim. It is important to prove your damage and show your damage. Each policy is a little different and below is just a small example of the language (not all the language) so please make sure you read and understand your “Duties After Loss” in your policy.
 
Duties After Loss … In case of a loss to covered property, we have no duty to provide coverage under this policy if the failure to comply with the following duties is prejudicial to us.  These duties must be performed either by you, an “insured” seeking coverage, or a representative of either:
 
1.Give us prompt notice to us or our agent;
Except for Reasonable Emergency Measures taken under Additional Coverage 2. There is no coverage for repairs that begin before the earlier of:
a.72 hours after we are notified of the loss;
b.The time of loss inspection by us; or
c.The time of other approval by us.
 
2.a. To the degree reasonably possible, retain the damaged property; and
b. Allow us to inspect, subject to 2.a. above, all damaged property prior to its removal from the “premises”.
 
3.a. Notify the police in case of loss by theft ..
b. Notify the credit card or electronic fund transfer card or access device company in case of loss as provided for in D.6. Credit
 
4.Protect the covered property from further damage …
5.Cooperate with us in the investigation of a claim;
6.Prepare an inventory of the damaged personal property …
7.As often as we reasonably require:
a.Show us the damaged property and the cause of loss …
b.Provide us with records and documents we request and permit us to make copies;
c.Any and all “insureds” must submit to recorded statements when requested by us;
d.In the County where the premises is located you, your agents, your representatives and any and all “insureds” must submit to an examination under oath while not in the presence of the other …
e.Permit us to take samples of damaged and undamaged property for inspection, testing and analysis; and
f.Any and all “insureds” must execute all authorizations for the release of information when requested by us.
8. You must give notice of a claim, a supplement claim, or a reopened claim for loss or damage caused by the peril of windstorm or hurricane within three years after the hurricane first made landfall or the windstorm caused the covered damage …
9.Send to us, within 60 days after our request, your signed sworn proof of loss which sets forth, to the best of your knowledge and belief:
a.The time and cause of loss;
b.The interests of all “insureds” and all others in the property involved and all liens on the property;
c.Other insurance which may cover the loss;
d.Changes in title or occupancy of the property during term of policy;
e.Specifications of damaged buildings and detailed repair estimates;
f.The inventory of damaged personal property described in C.6 above;
g.Receipts of additional living expenses incurred and records that support the fair rental value loss; and
h.Evidence or affidavit that supports a claim under D.6 …
 
If you do not comply with your duties after a loss and repair the damaged property before the insurance company has an opportunity to investigate and inspect the damages, you risk having your claim denied.  There are also documents that you may be required to complete and will need the assistance of a public insurance adjuster to prepare and submit them to the insurance company.