Top Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Home Insurance Claim in California 

For many California residents, one of  their worst days is when disaster strikes and they have to use their home insurance. The whole point of this coverage is to protect you from threats to your home while ensuring your insurance premium isn’t too high. However, far too many residents are denied much-needed payouts because they make mistakes when filing a home insurance claim. 

Just what are those mistakes, though? How do they affect your coverage, and what can you do to make sure nothing goes wrong when filing a claim? Keep reading to discover the answers. 

Navigating Through the Home Claim Process in California 

On paper, filing a home insurance claim in California is a relatively simple process. One way to do so is by calling your agent or contacting your carrier directly. In many cases, the insurance company may have an app that you can use to file. 

After that, you’ll receive a claim number and an adjuster will be sent to your home to inspect the damage. Based on the inspection and any evidence you have from documenting the damage, the carrier will ultimately decide whether or not to pay. 

Most of the time, filing a homeowners insurance claim is a smooth and easy process. Unfortunately, there are some common mistakes that can keep you from receiving the money you need. 

Sidestepping the Pitfalls of Home Claim Filing 

If you’re reading this, it’s because you want to avoid any potential mistakes in your own insurance claims process. And “avoid” is the key word here because it’s always better to prevent these missteps in the first place than to argue with the insurance company after they refuse to pay. 

Fortunately, this guide will walk you through the most common mistakes when filing a home insurance claim. And that starts with one of the biggest mistakes to avoid: delaying filing until it is too late. 

The Consequences of Delay: Reporting Your Claim on Time 

Imagine that you got into a car accident that caused some major property damage. Would you wait a week or two before contacting your insurance company? Of course not! That’s because most drivers know that swiftly filing a claim is the best way to ensure they get the money they need exactly when they need it. 

Home insurance claims work the same way. You need to contact your carrier right away for many reasons, including the fact that they can’t send an adjuster to inspect the damage until you do. Some homeowners delay filing because they are documenting damage and want to provide detailed records to their carrier, but this is a mistake because nothing keeps them from documenting things before the insurance adjuster shows up. Waiting too long to file means you run the risk of the carrier outright refusing to pay out, leaving you with expensive out-of-pocket repairs. 

Maximizing Your Home Claim Settlement 

It’s common for California residents to worry that their homeowner’s insurance claim won’t pay out at all. While that can happen (especially if you don’t know which mistakes to avoid), there’s a more common threat you should be aware of: The carrier pays out but doesn’t pay as much as you want because there is not enough evidence to support your claim. 

It’s in your best interest to do more than avoid common insurance mistakes when you are filing. You also need to understand your policy inside and out and thoroughly document any property damage you have experienced. By doing so, you can increase your odds of receiving the maximum settlement when filing. 

Reading the Fine Print: Know What Your Policy Covers 

Before you can receive the maximum settlement from your insurance claims process, you need to know what that amount actually is. That means reading the fine print and understanding your coverage limits and the extent of your coverage. If you are worried about flooding, make sure you understand flood insurance. And if your area is prone to earthquakes or wildfires, be sure to see what the policy says about natural disasters. Remember, it’s your responsibility to secure home insurance in California that covers your likeliest emergencies. 

Documenting the Damage: Why Every Detail Counts 

After disaster strikes your home, you need to make sure everyone is safe and then contact your carrier to file. Your next step is thoroughly documenting the damage by taking photographs and videos of the parts of your home that were ruined or destroyed. Take pictures from multiple angles and keep detailed records of the value of the damaged items. You should also keep track of related expenses, including the cost of any temporary repairs you are forced to make and the cost of temporarily moving your family to new housing. 

The Crucial Steps Post-Claim Filing 

With a bit of preparation, it’s easy to avoid the most common mistakes when filing a home insurance claim. However, it’s equally important for all California residents to know what to do after filing. 

Mitigating Further Loss: How to Prevent Additional Damage 

Ideally, you should contact local professionals to help calculate the severity of the damage to your home and estimate the cost of repairs. In most cases, such repairs should be handled after you are visited by the insurance adjusters and receive a payout. However, you may be forced to make temporary repairs to things like busted windows in order to mitigate further damage. In these cases, be sure to hold onto all the receipts so you can show them to your carrier. 

Special Considerations for California Residents 

Most of the advice in this article could apply to filing claims in any state, including the need to take out flood insurance if you live in an area prone to flooding. However, California has some unique threats you need to be aware of, including the threat of earthquakes and wildfires. If you live in the state, it is vital to understand earthquake insurance and what other optional riders you can add to your policy. 

Ensure Your Home Is Fully Protected with the Right Coverage. Get a Free Quote Today and Secure Peace of Mind! 

Now you know about the most common mistakes when filing a home insurance claim. You also know how to avoid them and how to maximize the payout that you receive. But do you know who has your back during the worst day of your life? 

Here at Cost-U-Less, we’re all about giving California residents the protection they deserve. Ready to move past the catastrophe and get your life back on track? Call us at (800) 390-4071 or get a fast home insurance quote online. You can also find a Cost-U-Less office near you. 

FAQ: Home Claim Clarity 

Still have questions about insurance mistakes to avoid? Below, you’ll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. 

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim After a Home Incident in California? 

In most cases, carriers require you to file within a few weeks of the incident, but be sure to check your policy to be sure. 

Can You Reopen a Home Claim If Additional Damage Is Discovered Later? 

You can reopen a claim if additional damage is discovered later, but it’s up to your carrier to determine how long you have to do so. In some cases, you may be required to file a new claim.