I’ve seen firsthand the pitfalls of making permanent repairs too soon after property damage. It’s a common scenario: a disaster strikes, damaging your property, and your first instinct is to repair the damage immediately. While this response is understandable, it can have significant legal and financial implications on your insurance claim.
Understanding the Stakes
When your property is damaged, whether by a natural disaster, accident, or other means, your first priority is understandably to return things to normal. However, in the rush to repair, many property owners inadvertently jeopardize their insurance claims. The reason? Most insurance policies require an assessment of the damage by an insurance adjuster before permanent repairs are undertaken.
Why Wait for an Adjuster?
The insurance adjuster’s role is to evaluate the damage and determine the compensation amount under your policy. If you make permanent repairs before this assessment, you may alter or erase evidence of the extent of the damage. This can lead to disputes with your insurance company about the severity of the damage and the cost of repairs, potentially resulting in a lower settlement than you are entitled to.
Temporary Repairs and Mitigation
It’s important to distinguish between permanent and temporary repairs. While permanent repairs should wait, you are often required to take reasonable steps to mitigate further damage. This can include temporary fixes like covering broken windows or sealing leaks. Such actions are usually reimbursable under your policy, but always document these steps with photographs and receipts.
Legal Implications
From a legal standpoint, failing to comply with the terms of your insurance policy can weaken your position. If a dispute arises, the insurance company may argue that the premature repairs prevented them from conducting a proper assessment, thus affecting your claim.
My Role as Your Attorney
As your attorney, my role is to ensure that your rights are protected throughout the claims process. This includes advising you on the proper steps to take following property damage, representing your interests in discussions with insurance companies, and ensuring that you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to under your policy.
