Homeowners’ insurance is designed to protect your home and your wallet from common hazards and damage. These policies give you a payout from your insurance company if you need to file a claim for a covered incident. While the types of claims you may need to file will vary, there are a few common causes of property damage that your Michigan property insurance claims lawyer wants you to know about. Let’s take a closer look.
The Most Common Causes of Damage to Homes
Though property insurance covers many types of damage to homes and properties, some incidents are more common than others. Here are some of the most common causes of damage to Michigan properties.
Hail Damage
Hailstorms can spring up almost out of nowhere and can happen in any season. The bigger the hailstones are, the more severe the damage can be. These larger chunks of ice can dent your roof, cause shingles to fall off, create leaks and cracks in the subroofing, and more. Even minor hail damage can lead to significant roof repairs over time, but your insurance policy should cover this type of damage.
Lightning Damage
Lightning can and will strike parts of your property under the right conditions. If it hits a tree on your property, you could end up with a fire that damages your landscaping, outbuildings, fence, and even your house. And if it hits your home, your house’s electrical system can be damaged, making it unsafe to use the outlets and appliances in your home. Your insurance policy will cover lightning damage.
Wind Damage
High winds can damage your roof, lead to ripped-up siding, and even cause trees to lose limbs which could damage your home or outbuildings. It can also knock your fence down, leaving your yard unprotected. Homeowners’ insurance policies should always cover wind damage.
Theft and Vandalism
Homeowners’ policies don’t just cover damage resulting from storms and other natural causes. They also protect you from theft and vandalism. If someone breaks into your property and damages anything or steals items from your yard, outbuildings, or house, your homeowners’ insurance policy will help cover the cost of any repairs or replacements.
How to File an Insurance Claim
If your home is damaged, you’ll want to file an insurance claim with your homeowners’ insurance provider. Here’s how:
- Contact your insurance agent. Call your insurance agent and let them know that you need to file a claim. They’ll initiate the claim and tell you what types of documentation you need to send to accompany the claim.
- Document the damage in detail. Take pictures of the damage and provide as much information about the damaged items as you can. You may want to provide copies of purchase statements for any damaged items if possible. This makes it easier for the insurance company to see how extensive the damage is and to assess the value of the damaged items on your property.
- Meet with the insurance adjuster. Your insurance provider will send an adjuster out to assess the damage. Try to attend the walkthrough so you can point out any damage they may miss.
- Wait for the settlement offer. After the adjuster submits their report, the insurance company will assess your claim and render a settlement. If the damage resulted from an uncovered event, they’ll likely deny your claim. But if it’s caused by a covered event, they’ll offer you money to cover the cost of repairs. You’re free to accept this settlement if you think it’s fair or to appeal the decision in hopes of getting more money.
It’s a good idea to work with an experienced Michigan property claims lawyer if you feel the insurance provider is dragging their heels or if they deny a claim you feel should be covered.
Contact a Michigan Property Claims Insurance Attorney
If your home was damaged in a covered event, don’t navigate the claims process on your own. Instead, work with an experienced attorney at Fabian, Sklar, King & Liss. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.