If your home has been damaged or destroyed, you are likely to feel overwhelmed by the loss and by the repair, replace, and recovery process that lies ahead. Providing your property was properly insured, then your insurance policy is the best road to get you back home. If this is your first large insurance claim, realize that it is a business negotiation – between you and your insurance provider.
When it comes to insurance terminology (laws and construction estimating, etc.)…you are not playing on a level field with your rival, the experienced insurance company. You are most likely unfamiliar with your policy and the process in general, however, there are rules and laws to protect your rights – rights which must be used to negotiate and recover the full benefits which you are entitled to under the policy which you have paid good money for.
Begin by reading your policy’s page entitled “declarations”, it will tell you how your policy’s coverage is divided into what categories: Dwelling – coverage A, Other Structures – coverage B, Personal Property – coverage C, Loss of Use/Additional Living Expenses – coverage D. By this point you should have a basic understanding of what’s in your policy and what is covered.
Next, you will need to figure out how much you are entitled to be paid for dwelling repairs or replacement, debris and tree removal, and building code compliances. This is where construction estimating comes into play. Do not rely only upon your insurance company adjuster to calculate your scope of loss for you – you will be leaving your hard-earned money on the table.
If like many, you don’t believe you can properly account for your losses on your own, (and many can’t), you should consider contacting an experienced and reputable advocate such as a licensed building contractor, policyholder lawyer, or public adjuster.
