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Why Policyholders Should Keep a Comprehensive Timeline of Events After a Loss

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Tip For Your Property Damage Claim

Why Policyholders Should Keep a Comprehensive Timeline of Events After a Loss

If your property has suffered damage or loss and you are working on handling the process of an insurance claim, it’s very important that you document the steps throughout each stage of the process. Documenting the experience will help you manage your property damage claim later on. 

In the worst-case scenario, your insurance payment could be delayed or you may receive delays throughout the process of filing an insurance claim. Documenting your experience can make sure that it’s much easier for you to work with an attorney to expedite your property insurance claim.

As someone that carries insurance, you need to actively participate in the process of filing an insurance claim. This means documenting any evidence of the claim as well as the timeline of events associated with the claim. This can be especially helpful as you are answering questions for your attorney and building up a timeline to help people that are representing you. You will need to have this documentation list for fighting your claim. 

Gathering documentation does not need to be a hassle especially when you’re organized in the process of reporting. Creating a timeline can make sure that you can be protected in the worst-case scenario. It may seem like overkill at first, but it can be a huge asset if you are forced to fight for your insurance coverage. 

Why should you keep this timeline?

The process of filing an insurance claim can often be lengthy. It’s not unusual for insurance companies to drag out the process for several months or even years if there is a peak in claims due to a natural occurrence like a hurricane or tropical storm. If you’re dealing with accidents that happened months ago, you may find it difficult for you to have the answers to the questions asked by the insurance company or by attorneys that are representing you. Keep a journal of your claim and what you experienced to make sure that you can receive the maximum amount of coverage. 

A timeline also helps with the process of answering questions about the property damage, substantiating your story, and organizing the evidence that you may need to complete the claim. If you do end up going to litigation when your claim is delayed, having access to the timeline can help to reduce your expenses by saving time and preventing errors. 

If you present a claim that has an overall lack of factual evidence, this can sometimes lead to your claim being denied. 

What should a timeline include?

The names of all parties:

Be sure to record names in the claim including your investigators, adjusters and anyone that was in the home during the time of the incident. Names of the roofers, electricians and other contractors can also be important for your story. 

All dates:

It is important to keep every date on your timeline: from the date the damage occurred, to the dates of your various inspections, repairs, and changes. If the insurance company can validate when adjusters and contractors were on site, this can further your claim.

All addresses and details:

You will need the exact address of your property as well as the property that you are staying. Make sure to include all of the contact information that’s necessary for your insurance company to get a hold of you. 

Including any other evidence or details for your claim can also make sure that the insurance company can truly understand the damage to personal property. Recording some of the photos of the damages as well as logging the damage can be important for evidence. If there were clothing items, sentimental items, or even subsequent damage that happened as a result of water or mold, make sure that these are all in your story. 

If you are filing an insurance claim, make sure that you start a timeline right away so that you will not be denied coverage. Contact us today for a consultation on your personal injury case!

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