6 common mistakes to avoid when filing an insurance claim in Miami

If you live in Miami, you know that natural disasters like storms and hurricanes can severely damage your property. To recover your losses and repair your home or business, it is essential to file a claim with your Florida insurance company. 

However, the claims process in Miami can be complicated and fraught with obstacles if you don’t do it right. This article explains the top 6 mistakes when filing an insurance claim in Miami and how to avoid them with the help of a public adjuster from Liberty Claims.

Common Mistakes When Filing a Claim in Miami

Mistake # 1: Not reading your insurance policy

Failing to read your insurance policy before filing a claim in Miami is the first mistake you should avoid. Your Florida insurance policy is the contract that sets out the terms, conditions, coverages, limits, and exclusions of your insurance. 

If you do not read it carefully, you may be unpleasantly surprised when you file a claim, such as discovering that your claim is not covered or that you have a very high deductible. For this reason, Liberty Claims recommends you review your Miami insurance policy periodically and clarify any questions with your agent or insurance company.

Mistake #2: Failure to take an inventory of your personal property

Failing to take an inventory of your personal property before and after a loss is another common mistake when filing an insurance claim in Miami. Your personal property includes furniture, appliances, clothing, jewelry, electronics, and other items or goods in your Florida home or business. 

If you do not have an up-to-date and detailed inventory of your personal property, it can be very difficult to prove the value and quantity of the items you lost or damaged in the Miami loss. Therefore, we recommend that you take an inventory of your personal property, including photographs, videos, invoices, and any other documents that support its value and existence. At Liberty Claims, we will be happy to advise you on how to file your insurance claim in Florida in the most efficient manner possible.

Mistake #3: Waiting too long to file a claim

Every insurance policy has a maximum time limit for filing a claim in Miami, which can vary depending on the type of insurance policy and the nature of the claim. You may lose the right to receive compensation for your loss if you do not file your claim on time. Contact us and file your claim within the appropriate timeframes.

Mistake #4: Cleaning up without documenting the damage

The fourth mistake when filing an insurance claim in Miami is cleaning up without documenting the damage caused by the loss. We know that it can be tempting to clean up your property in Miami after it has been damaged by water, fire, mold, mildew, or any other event. However, if you do so without documentation of the damage in the form of photos, videos, and testimonials, you may lose crucial evidence to support your claim and obtain a fair settlement. That is why Liberty Claims recommends that you document the damage as soon as possible after the loss and not throw away or repair anything until the insurance company adjuster has inspected your property.

Mistake #5: Accepting the first payment offered by the insurance company.

It is also a mistake to accept the first payment offered by the Miami insurance company without verifying that it is fair and sufficient to cover your loss. The insurance company has its own adjusters who evaluate the damage and calculate the payment according to their criteria and interests. It is possible that these adjusters underestimate or ignore some of the damages, or apply clauses or exclusions that reduce the amount paid. Therefore, you should carefully review the adjuster’s report and payment check and compare them to reality and your policy.

Mistake #6: Not hiring a public adjuster

Finally, it is also a mistake when filing an insurance claim in Miami not to hire a public adjuster to handle the claim.

It is important to remember that a public adjuster is an independent professional who works exclusively for the insured, representing them before the insurance company in Florida. They are specialists with the experience and knowledge necessary to assess the damage to your property, document your claim, negotiate with the insurance company, and obtain the maximum possible payment according to your insurance coverage.

Need to file an insurance claim in Miami? In this sometimes complex process, we at Liberty Claims can be your ally. Contact us in case of water, fire, or mold damage and we will take care of it as your Miami insurance public adjuster. Trust us and leave it all in our hands!