Discovering that your homeowners insurance claim has been underpaid can be frustrating, especially when the settlement doesn’t cover the full cost of repairing or replacing the damage. Unfortunately, underpaid claims are a common issue that many homeowners face after filing insurance claims for property damage caused by storms, fire, water, or other disasters.
If your insurance company isn’t offering a fair settlement, you still have options. This guide will walk you through the steps to dispute an underpaid claim and maximize your payout. underpaid homeowners insurance claim
1. Understand Why Your Claim Was Underpaid
Before taking further action, it’s important to understand why your claim was underpaid. Some common reasons include:
Insufficient Documentation: The insurance company may have reduced your payout due to a lack of proper evidence, such as photos, videos, or repair estimates.
Policy Exclusions or Limits: Your policy may have coverage limits or exclusions that reduce the settlement amount.
Low Damage Estimates: Insurance adjusters may underestimate the cost of repairs, leading to a lower payout.
Depreciation: For claims involving personal property, the insurer may factor in depreciation, which reduces the value of older items.
Errors in the Adjuster’s Report: Mistakes or overlooked damage during the inspection can also lead to underpayment.
2. Review Your Insurance Policy
Carefully review your homeowners insurance policy to understand what is covered, your coverage limits, and any exclusions that may apply. Look for details on:
Dwelling Coverage: Covers structural damage to your home.
Personal Property Coverage: Covers damage or loss of your belongings.
Additional Living Expenses (ALE): Covers temporary housing costs if your home is uninhabitable.
Deductibles and Policy Limits: Understand how these factors affect your claim payout.
3. Document the Damage and Gather Additional Evidence
If you believe your claim was underpaid, gather additional documentation to strengthen your case. This may include:
Photos and Videos: Take clear, detailed photos and videos of the damage from multiple angles.
Receipts and Invoices: Provide receipts for damaged items, temporary repairs, or any additional expenses related to the loss.
Independent Repair Estimates: Obtain estimates from licensed contractors to compare with the insurance company’s assessment.
4. Contact the Insurance Company and Request a Reassessment
If you believe your claim was unfairly underpaid, contact your insurance company and request a reassessment. Be prepared to present your additional evidence, including photos, videos, repair estimates, and any errors you found in the original adjuster’s report.
When speaking with the insurance company:
Stay Calm and Professional: Be polite but assertive when explaining your concerns.
Take Notes: Document all conversations, including the date, time, and names of the people you speak with.
Follow Up in Writing: Send a follow-up email or letter summarizing your discussion and any agreements made.
5. Hire a Public Adjuster
If your insurance company is still unwilling to increase your settlement, consider hiring a public adjuster. A public adjuster is a licensed professional who works on behalf of policyholders to assess the damage, file claims, and negotiate higher settlements.
How Public Adjusters Help:
Conduct a thorough inspection of your property.
Document the full extent of the damage.
Handle negotiations with the insurance company to maximize your payout.
Assist with paperwork and the claims process.
Cost of Hiring a Public Adjuster:
Public adjusters typically charge a contingency fee, which is a percentage (usually 5%-15%) of the final settlement amount. This means they only get paid if you receive a payout.
