Tips for filing insurance claims

After a disaster, many homeowners with homeowners insurance may be unsure where to even begin to file a claim with their company. Here are seven tips from the Florida Association of Public Insurance Adjusters.

¦ Only work with state-licensed professionals.

It's an unfortunate reality that scam artists prey upon consumers in their time of need. Whether you're hiring a contractor to make repairs or a public insurance adjuster to help you understand and submit your insurance claim, make sure they are licensed to conduct business in Florida (go to www.beclaimsmart.com for easy verification). And don't forget, only public adjusters and lawyers are authorized by the law to negotiate a claim with your insurance company. Anyone else who offers to do so is committing a felony.

¦ Check permits.

If the correct permits aren't being pulled for the property repair of your home or business, then the job isn't going to get done (or get done well). Be vocal and ask your contractor about required permits in your city or county, and to show you confirmation of their filing. Additionally, local building departments may hold you liable for re-doing the work when they learn that required permits were not pulled.

¦ Don't pay in cash.

Credit cards, checks and debit cards are much safer forms of payment, and more easily tracked. Ask for a receipt if you are not given one – you'll need this for your insurance claim.

¦ Be wary of contracts with AOB language.

Signing over Assignment of Benefits is a big deal, as it authorizes the receiving party to manage every aspect of your insurance claim, including the collection of your payout and filing a lawsuit for your claim.

¦ Don't wait too long to file your claim.

Florida requires that all hurricane damage claims be filed within two years of the date of loss. As a result it is important to have a professional inspect your home for damages and file a claim on a timely basis. Supplemental claims are limited to three years from the date of loss.

¦ Prevent further damage as best you can.

Failing to mitigate additional damage to your property could result in your claim being denied. Provided it is safe to do so and the issue is manageable, work with a professional to take care of anything that could become a bigger problem, such as tarping a damaged roof or covering broken windows.

¦ Watch out for scam artists.

Florida's insurance market and policyholders have been hurt by fraud and scams. Don't be a victim. If you see contractors, roofers or anyone who is not a licensed public insurance adjuster or an attorney offering to handle your claim, they may be engaging in criminal activity. Contractors and roofers are not insurance professionals. Unfortunately, there are some who would use the "handling of your claim" as a sales tactic. Don't fall for it. They are neither licensed nor trained to represent your insurance claim interests. ¦