As one of the prominent Florida public adjusting companies, our adjusters see a wide variety of insurance claims. Some of these claims are unique to Florida, such as sink holes or hurricanes. Others are unique to an individual homeowner. Often, however, we see claims that are more common throughout the United States.
Here are the four most common types of claims. Knowing them can help you be more aware of the risks and think about ways to prevent mishaps.
#1 Water Damage
Water damage occurs when water destroys the interior of your home. This is a very common type of claim with 4 out of 10 homeowners experiencing water damage at some point during their ownership.
Common water damage occurrences include:
- Leaking roof
- Burst pipe
- Malfunctioning home appliance
- Overflowing sink or toilet
Although very common, water damage claims are often preventable with scheduled home maintenance. Look for things like dripping water under sinks or around toilets and appliances. Check hoses to be sure they do not have wear and tear. Inspect your roof yearly and after storms to be sure that shingles are firmly in place. Doing these things will reduce the likelihood that you will experience water damage.
#2: Tree Damage
Living in Florida, storm and wind damage is a major risk for homeowners. During storms, large trees can fall or lose branches, often damaging your property. Trees and limbs are known to cause:
- Roof damage
- Break windows
- Crush exterior buildings
- Flatten fences
If your tree hits a neighbor’s home, you may also find your insurance having to pay for damages.
The best way to limit tree damage is to check your trees to be sure they are healthy. Also, remove any dead branches and have your trees trimmed regularly.
#3: Fire Damage
Fire damage is also very common, and in many cases, completely preventable. Here are a few things to consider:
- Have smoke alarms in your home and change the batteries regularly
- Have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and garage. You might also consider a fire blanket that can put out a fire without the mess of an extinguisher.
- Make sure all outdoor fires (grills, fire pits, and burn piles) are several feet away from your home’s exterior
- Never walk away from a lit candle
- Use safety measures when cooking in the kitchen
- Throw away any appliances with frayed wiring
#4: Injuries to Visitors
A homeowner’s policy includes liability insurance that covers injuries to guests on your property. What does this insurance cover?
- Tripping on carpet
- Slipping on a wet surface
- Injuries from playing on outdoor equipment such as a swing set or trampoline.
- Falling down a set of stairs
Even someone who has not been invited to your home can hold you responsible for injuries they sustained while there.
The best way to limit liability damages is to:
- Secure or remove throw rugs
- Have a banister or railing for all stairs
- Mop up standing water
- Limit use of outdoor equipment, especially for those who are untrained, intoxicated, or should otherwise not be using the equipment
Regardless of the type of claim you file, you can count on Aftermath Adjusters & Consulting to provide you with the personalized care you deserve. We work one-on-one with clients to help them get the highest possible payout based on their claim and insurance policy. If you’ve suffered damage to your property, give us a call. We’d be happy to help.
