Dos and Don’ts of Filing an Insurance Claim
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Dos
Notify Your Insurance Company Immediately
Report the incident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Delays can complicate the claims process.
Take Pictures
If something is broken or damaged, take pictures to show what happened.
Read Your Policy
Familiarize yourself with your insurance policy to understand what is covered, the limits, and the procedures for making your claim.
Document Everything related to the damages
Take photos, videos, and detailed notes of the damage or loss. Keep all receipts, invoices, and any relevant documentation.
Be Honest
Provide accurate and truthful information about the incident. Misrepresenting facts can lead to denial of the claim.
Keep Communication Records
Maintain a log of all communications with your insurer, including dates, times, names of representatives, and details of what was discussed.
Follow Up Regularly
Stay in touch with your insurance company to check on the progress of your claim.
Cooperate Fully
Provide any additional information or documentation requested by the insurance company promptly.
Get Multiple Repair Estimates
If applicable, obtain several repair estimates to ensure you get a fair deal.
Mitigate Further Damage
Take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage, such as covering a hole in the roof to prevent water from getting in.
Do Nots
Do NOT Admit Fault
Avoid admitting fault or liability at the scene of an incident, especially before consulting with your insurer.
Do NOT Exaggerate or Inflate the Claim
Overstating the value of your claim can lead to denial or legal consequences.
Do NOT Delay Filing
Waiting too long to file a claim can result in denial due to missed deadlines.
Do NOT Make Permanent Repairs Immediately
Only make temporary repairs to prevent further damage. Permanent repairs should wait until after the claim is assessed. **MAKE SURE TO TAKE PICTURES**
Do NOT Accept the First Settlement Offer
If you believe the offer is too low, negotiate with your insurer or seek a second opinion.
Do NOT Ignore the Fine Print
Skipping the details in your policy can lead to misunderstandings about what is covered.
Do NOT Sign Anything Without Reviewing carefully
Review any documents the insurance company asks you to sign. Consider consulting an attorney if you’re unsure.
Do NOT Discard Damaged Items
Keep damaged items as evidence until your insurance company instructs you otherwise.
Do NOT Get Emotional
Stay calm and professional when dealing with your insurer, even if the process is frustrating.
Do NOT Settle for Less
If you believe your claim was unfairly denied or underpaid, appeal the decision or seek legal advice if you are unsure.
Once Represented By an Attorney:
Dos
Be Honest
Tell your attorney the truth about everything. They need to know the whole story to help you.
Listen Carefully
Pay attention to what your attorney says and follow their advice.
Ask Questions
If you don’t understand something, ask your attorney to explain it to you.
Keep Them Informed
Tell your attorney if anything new happens that could affect your case.
Do Nots
Do NOT Hide Information
Don’t keep any details secret from your attorney, even if you think they aren’t important.
Do NOT Talk to the Other Side
Let your attorney handle all communication with the other people involved in your case.
Do NOT Sign Anything Without Asking
If someone asks you to sign something, check with your attorney first.
Do NOT Fix the damages without consulting your attorney's office
Speak with your attorney’s office regarding the steps needed to be taken before any replacement/repairs are completed.
Should not Ignore Their Advice
If your attorney tells you to do something, it’s essential to follow their instructions.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I Need a Tampa Insurance Claim Lawyer?
Yes. Our experienced attorneys help you navigate the complexities of personal and property damage claims in Tampa, ensuring you receive fair compensation.
What's the Deadline for Filing an Insurance Claim Lawsuit in Tampa?
The statute of limitations varies depending on your case’s specifics. Consult with an attorney as soon as possible to understand your deadlines.
What If the Insurance Company Offers Me a Settlement?
Schedule a Free Consultation
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how our expertise can make a difference for you. Let us navigate the legal complexities so you can focus on what matters most — your life.
Why Choose Joshua Smith, P.A.?
Experienced Attorneys
Our team has extensive experience in dealing with denied insurance claims, disputes over coverage, bad faith, business deals, contractor negligence, and more.
Client-Centered Approach
We prioritize clear communication, responsiveness, and personalized attention to ensure you are well-informed and empowered throughout the legal process.
Proven Success
We are committed to achieving favorable outcomes and fair compensation for our clients, holding insurance companies accountable, and offering strategic advice tailored to your specific situation.
