Property damage can occur at any time. Whether you are cooking and a fire starts or a particularly bad storm hits and a tree falls on your house, disasters can strike at any time—even when you least expect it. That’s why it’s good to have an understanding of what the common causes are so you can avoid them as best as possible.
If property damage does occur, it’s important to understand what you should do when it comes to filing your insurance claim and what your legal recourses are should your insurance provider decide to deny your claim in bad faith.
Below is information about the common causes of property damage, how to avoid them, and what you should do to get the most out of your claim should damage occur.
The Common Causes
Here are some common causes (along with how to avoid them):
Storm Damage
Storm damage is extremely common—especially in Florida. In order to avoid storm damage, consider these tips:
- Install storm shutters or impact-resistant windows
- Reinforce roofs and doors
- Regularly clean gutters and downspouts
- Secure outdoor furniture and objects
Water Damage
Water damage, whether due to flooding due to a storm or a burst pipe, is no joke. To avoid flooding, consider these tips:
- Regularly inspect and maintain plumbing
- Install water leak detection systems
- Use flood barriers or sandbags around doors, windows, and other entry points to prevent water ingress
- Ensure the ground slopes away from your home to prevent water accumulation
Fire Damage
Fires can occur for a variety of reasons. With that said, there are some easy ways to help you avoid them:
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Install smoke alarms
- Regularly check electrical outlets and don’t overload them
- Keep flammable objects away from heat sources
- Don’t use damaged electrical appliances
What Do I Do If Property Damage Occurs?
If property damage occurs, make sure you document the damage and reach out to your insurance company to file your claim. When you document the damage take photos, videos, and create a written list. Once you file, collect all documentation between your insurance company and you. In order to get the best results possible, consider hiring Colucci Law Group to help in filing your claim. Our experts will ensure everything is filed correctly so you get the best payout possible.
What Do I Do if My Insurance Provider Doesn’t Want to Pay My Claim?
Keep in mind your insurance company owes you what is outlined in your policy. If you file properly and on time, they are obligated to pay you. Should they choose to deny your claim in bad faith, reach out to Colucci Law Group for support.
Colucci Law Group consists of legal experts who provide clients with support to fight bad faith claim denials. We will provide you with an outstanding property insurance lawyer to represent you in a suit against your insurance provider. We are also able to file your claim for you and defend your rights, so you get the settlement that you deserve.
For more information about our property insurance legal services, reach out today. We’d be happy to help you to file your claim or represent you in a lawsuit against your insurance provider.
If you suspect that you are the victim of a bad-faith insurance claim denial, we can help. The Colucci Law Group has the resources to assess the validity of your claim at no cost to you. For a free consultation, email us or call our Dunedin office at 727-733-9438. You may also call our Fort Myers office at 239-378-7800. Our team assists victims of bad-faith insurance claims across the state of Florida.