When disaster strikes, life can suddenly get overwhelming and frustrating. Dealing with property damage can be difficult enough. So when your home insurance claim gets rejected, it can madden even the calmest of us. There are several reasons why a claim may be rejected, and it's worthwhile knowing why a claim could be denied so that you can be prepared for the future. Understanding your policy helps prevent denied claims and gives confidence in actions to repair your home. Before you file a claim with your
homeowners insurance in Renton, WA, take a look at what you should know.
Common Reasons Why Your Home Insurer Won't Pay Out
1. The damage was not covered your policy
Your homeowners insurance, as great and protective as it is, doesn't cover every type of damage. Fire, lightning, and wind damage are examples of standard covered perils. However, there are many additional add-ons like mold and water back-up damage that are not covered unless you add it to your policy for an extra premium. Keep in mind that other types of damage are often not included in your standard home coverage unless you choose to add it on:
- Flooding
- Earthquake
- Personal umbrella
- Scheduled personal property
- Replacement costs
- Sewage back-up coverage
Some perils require separate policies for coverage, such as floods. If one of these perils damages your house and you don't have the listed coverage, then not only will your claim be denied, but you'll be on the hook for all associated expenses of repair and replacement.
2. It's damage from wear and tear
Houses are built to last, but that doesn't mean that they can go years without any TLC. Over time, things start to wear out. If your home has an old roof, you may not be able to receive insurance help to replace it simply because it is old. If a room needs re-carpeting, your homeowners insurance cannot step in to help. If you file a claim associated to wear and tear, it's likely that your home insurer will deny it.
3. Misrepresenting the damage
A definite no-no in the insurance world is lying about the way in which damage to your property was caused. Not only will your claim be denied, but you could be held liable and face fines and even jail time. It's always good practice to be as detailed and as accurate as possible with your claim. Be honest ' the insurer will find out the truth either way.
4. Missing the deadline to file the claim
If you aren't quick enough, you could miss the window in which you are able to file a home insurance claim. It's crucial to let your insurer know about damage as soon as possible and get started on the claims process. Deadlines can vary between 180 days to a year, but it's best to check with your insurance company.
5. The damage is less than the deductible
Perhaps the most common reason why claims get denied is simply the fact that the damage isn't expensive enough. For example, if you have a $1,000 deductible in your home insurance policy and a burst water pipe cost $700 to fix, then your insurance company wouldn't be able to pay anything on the claim. You have to pay the insurance company the deductible first before they cover the damage, so it's worth considering your deductible before filing a claim.Now you know just a few of the more common reasons why a home insurance claim can be rejected. With that in mind, you can be more prepared to protect your property and only file successful claims.
Home insurance is incredibly important to protect your property. When you need to find coverage to suit your budget,
talk to the professionals at Humble & Davenport Insurance today.
