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Homeowners insurance claims in North Carolina have shown trends in frequency and severity over recent decades. From 1997 to 2013, claim costs and the number of claims per home steadily increased.
The frequency of home insurance claims also tends to be higher than the national rate, partly due to the state’s susceptibility to catastrophic weather events. Factors contributing to costs include the growing complexity and size of homes, more severe storms, and rising prices in repairs.
Experiencing property damage to your home can be distressing – whether you’re dealing with storm damage, fire, or other perils – but understanding the homeowner’s insurance claim process in North Carolina can help you secure the compensation needed for repairs. This guide outlines the essential steps to effectively make an insurance claim.
1. Promptly Notify Your Insurance Company
The first step in making a homeowner’s insurance claim in North Carolina is to promptly notify your insurance company of the loss. Most insurance policies require you to report damage as soon as possible. Failing to do so can lead to delays or even the denial of your claim.
You can call your insurance company’s claims department directly or utilize their online claim submission tools. Make sure you have your policy number handy, and be prepared to provide details of the incident. The sooner you report, the faster the claims process will get underway.
Remember that your home insurance policy may contain specific deadlines for notifying your insurer about damage, so acting quickly is key. Timely notification demonstrates that you are taking the claim seriously and adhering to your policy requirements.
2. Document the Damage Thoroughly
Once you’ve notified your insurance company, it’s time to document the damage to your property thoroughly. Good documentation can make or break your insurance claim. Start by taking high-quality photographs and videos of every part of the damaged areas, including both the exterior and interior of your home. Be sure to capture close-up shots of specific damage as well as wide-angle shots that give context to the overall impact.
In addition to visual documentation, keep a detailed written list of all damaged items. Note the type of damage, the approximate value of each item, and any other relevant information. If you have receipts for damaged belongings, make copies and include them in your documentation.
3. Mitigate Further Damage
After documenting the initial damage, it’s important to take reasonable steps to mitigate further damage to your property. Most homeowner insurance policies in North Carolina require the homeowner to protect the property from additional harm. This means you may need to cover broken windows, put a tarp over a damaged roof, or remove standing water from your home.
Be sure to keep all receipts for any temporary repairs or emergency services you have hired. These expenses should be covered by your insurance policy, as they are part of preventing additional loss. However, do not make permanent repairs until an insurance adjuster has inspected the damage, as this could impact your claim.
Failing to mitigate damages can be grounds for an insurer to reduce or even deny your claim. Showing that you took steps to prevent additional loss not only ensures you meet your policy requirements but also strengthens your position during the claims process.
4. Prepare a Detailed Proof of Loss
Your insurance company may ask you to submit a “proof of loss” form, which is a formal statement detailing the extent of the damage and the amount of money you are requesting. This is a critical part of the home insurance claim process, and it must be completed accurately. The proof of loss form often includes information like the cause of the damage, a comprehensive inventory of damaged items, and the estimated cost of repairs.
While preparing this form, it is often helpful to obtain estimates from licensed contractors or other professionals who can provide a realistic scope of the work required to restore your property. Make sure all the information matches what you have documented in your initial damage report.
5. Cooperate with the Insurance Adjuster
An insurance adjuster will visit your home to inspect the damage and assess the cost of repairs. It is in your best interest to fully cooperate with the adjuster, providing them with access to your home and all documentation you have gathered. Be present during the adjuster’s visit to point out all areas of damage and discuss your proof of loss.
The adjuster’s role is to provide an unbiased assessment of the damage, but it is important to remember that they work for the insurance company. You should be prepared to advocate for yourself by seeking a homeowner insurance claim lawyer in North Carolina and make sure all damages are properly noted.
How Long Insurers Should Decide on Home Insurance Claims
In North Carolina, insurers are typically required to respond to your claim within a reasonable amount of time. This includes acknowledging receipt of your claim and completing the investigation of the claim. North Carolina law generally requires insurers to provide a decision within 30, although this timeline may vary depending on the complexity of the claim and the amount of information needed.
How to Dispute a Homeowner Insurance Claim Settlement
If you believe that your insurer’s settlement offer is insufficient, unfair, or denied, you have the right to dispute it. Disputing a homeowner’s insurance claim settlement in North Carolina typically involves requesting a re-evaluation of your claim, submitting additional documentation, or even hiring an independent appraiser to assess the damage.
Start by thoroughly reviewing your policy to understand what coverage you are entitled to. If the insurer’s assessment falls short of what you believe is fair, submit a written dispute with any supporting evidence you have gathered, such as contractor estimates or third-party appraisals. In some cases, negotiations can help reach a better settlement.
If negotiations with the insurer do not yield the desired result, consider contacting the North Carolina Department of Insurance for assistance. They may help mediate the dispute or provide advice on how to proceed.
Consulting a Homeowner’s Insurance Claim Lawyer When Making a Claim
A homeowner’s insurance claim can be challenging, particularly if you encounter obstacles or disputes. Consulting a homeowner insurance claim lawyer in North Carolina can make a significant difference in ensuring your claim is handled properly.
If you feel overwhelmed or unsure about how to proceed, having legal representation can alleviate some of the stress and help you obtain the compensation you deserve. At The Morgan Law Group, our experienced insurance attorney can help you understand your policy, negotiate with the insurance company, and, if necessary, represent you in disputes or litigation.
Call us at (984) 370-3590 or complete our online form and have your free consultation.
