Receiving a settlement check that doesn’t cover your contractor’s quote is incredibly common and usually fixable through the formal supplement process. Most gaps happen because adjusters use standardized pricing software (Xactimate) that often lags behind local market labor rates, or because they withhold depreciation. You can file a supplement request to bridge the gap if … Read more
Filing a claim is not just an administrative task; it is your first official recorded statement to the insurance company. Filing through an online portal allows you to control your narrative and avoid misspeaking, while phone filing creates an immediate audio record. Stick to the facts: state the date you discovered the damage and what … Read more
Your insurance policy legally requires you to perform emergency repairs to prevent further damage, known as the duty to mitigate. There is a massive difference between emergency stabilization (like tarping a roof) and permanent repairs (like installing new shingles). Permanent repairs before an inspection can destroy evidence and ruin your claim. Always take extensive photos … Read more
The Roofer Conflict: Roofers have a financial incentive to push for a claim. Never sign an Assignment of Benefits (AOB) agreement before an independent claim evaluation. The ACV vs RCV Trap: If your policy pays Actual Cash Value (ACV) for a 15-year-old roof, heavy depreciation means your payout will likely be minimal after deductibles. Hidden … Read more
Most standard policies cover tree damage only if the tree physically strikes a covered structure, like your home, garage, or fence. If a neighbor’s tree falls on your house, your insurance pays the claim. The neighbor is only liable if you can prove they were negligent before the fall. Insurers frequently deny claims by arguing … Read more
A denied claim does not simply disappear. It is logged in a national database called the CLUE report as a claim closed without payment, which underwriters review closely. Depending on your insurance company’s rating model, a zero-dollar claim can still trigger a premium increase or flag your policy for non-renewal due to claims frequency. You … Read more
A frozen and burst pipe is a covered peril, but insurers frequently attempt to deny these claims by accusing the homeowner of failing to maintain adequate heat. The burden is on the insurance company to document that you actually neglected the property, not just assume it because a pipe froze during a cold snap. Your … Read more
Standard homeowners insurance almost never covers foundation damage caused by settling, soil movement, or natural wear over time. Adjusters typically deny these claims citing “earth movement” or “hydrostatic pressure” exclusions. Coverage only applies in extremely narrow, specific exceptions, such as sudden structural collapse, damage from a covered event like a massive burst pipe, or specific … Read more
Your deductible is not always a flat fee. Many homeowners unknowingly have percentage-based deductibles that can cost thousands of dollars out of pocket. Filing a claim for damage that costs less than your deductible will result in zero payout but can still leave a negative mark on your insurance record. Insurance companies often apply depreciation … Read more
The roof is the most frequently claimed component in home insurance, but it also has the highest rate of underpayment and wear-and-tear denials. Initial settlement offers rarely cover the full scope of damage, often missing crucial line items like flashings, decking, gutters, and drip edges. If you have RCV coverage, your first check is only … Read more