Home ownership is something we all thrive for, so to make that dream a reality is an incredible achievement. Maintaining the quality of your home is an investment in itself, so when unexpected damages happen it can be mentally, emotionally, and financially overwhelming. Home owner’s insurance can help you feel more prepared for the unexpected, but is your coverage comprehensive enough for all potential issues? Here’s what Cohen and Associates Public Adjusters wants you to know about home owner’s insurance.
What’s Covered
Home owner’s insurance is intended to protect you from sudden expenses caused by damages to your home. However, not all incidents may be covered under standard insurance policies.
Most home owner’s insurance policies cover damage caused by fires, lightning strikes, or heavy winds. This includes full structure coverage, including decks and garages that may be damaged during such natural disasters. Coverage may extend to other incidents as well, such as damage caused by a break in or stolen property. Look for a liability clause as well: some home owner’s insurance plans include coverage for injuries caused by accidents within the home, while others may not.
Pay attention to the specific limits of your coverage plan. For example, home insurance claims in South Florida do not include hurricane or flooding coverage. To be protected from water damage caused by hurricanes or other serious storms, you will need supplemental coverage. Even then, hurricane and flooding insurance may only cover certain damages that can be proven to be the result of the storm.
If you need to file home insurance claim in Hollywood, Cohen and Associates Public Adjusters can help you get the full value of your claim. We will thoroughly review your home insurance policy and the details of your claim to fight for what you are owed. Our experienced team of public adjusters serve all of South Florida, helping to get your damages repaired and your lost or destroyed property replaced.
What Isn’t Covered Under Home Insurance
As mentioned previously, not all claims may be covered under basic home insurance policies. Damages that don’t exceed your deductible, for example, will likely be denied coverage. If your deductible is $1,000 and the total cost of repair or replacement is only $700, denying that claim is in your best interest. Damages not covered under your plan may include:
- Sewage damage
- Mold
- Personal property such as jewelry or family heirlooms
- Lateral line damage
Fraudulent claims will also not be covered and may lead to serious legal consequences, including large fines and potential jail time. Falsifying information in an attempt to get more money or causing intentional damage to your home for an insurance payout just isn’t worth it. Fire damage proven to be intentionally caused by the insured party (arson) is a first-degree felony in Florida, punishable by up to 30 years in prison or on parole and a $10,000 fine.
If you have a home insurance claim or you’ve filed one and it was denied, let Cohen and Associates Public Adjusters help. Our public adjusters in South Florida have the knowledge and experience to get you the money you deserve. Contact us today!
