What not to say when filing a home insurance claim?
Asked by: Mr. Monserrate Ortiz | Last update: August 29, 2025Score: 4.1/5 (10 votes)
- Avoid Admitting Fault.
- Don't Downplay the Situation.
- Don't Say “Yes” to the First Offer.
- Don't Say Anything Unplanned on Record.
What not to say to a homeowners insurance adjuster?
Admitting Fault, Even Partial Fault.
Even if you think you may be partly at fault for the accident, do not discuss this with an adjuster. Avoid any language that could be construed as apologetic or blameful. Admitting any level of fault can eliminate or reduce the compensation that may be available.
What is the 80% rule in homeowners insurance?
The 80% rule means that an insurance company will pay the replacement cost of damage to a home as long as the owner has purchased coverage equal to at least 80% of the home's total replacement value.
What are the negatives of making a house insurance claim?
It could increase your premiums
When determining your premiums, insurance companies consider your likelihood of filing a future claim — which could cost them money. The higher your perceived risk, the more likely you are to pay more in premiums. Your claims history tends to play a direct role.
How to get the most money from a home insurance claim?
Notifying your insurer and taking steps to prevent additional damage. Allowing your insurance company access to investigate your damages. Removing debris, and documenting and valuing your damages for your Proof of Loss statement. Soliciting and comparing bids for the work you'll need done.
Home Insurance Claims: What To Do & How to Handle Adjusters
How to scare a home insurance adjuster?
- Write a convincing demand letter to your insurance company.
- Carefully review any settlement offers you receive.
- Reject a settlement offer in writing on your behalf.
- Counter your lowball settlement offer.
How to maximize insurance payout?
Document Every Detail: Keep detailed records from the initial incident to follow-up conversations. Taking photos, saving receipts, and recording interactions with the insurance adjuster will strengthen your claim. Stay Organized: Keep all claim-related documents in one place.
How much will my homeowners insurance go up if I file a claim?
Filing a claim increases your risk in the eyes of your insurance provider, and as your risk goes up, so do your premiums. You can expect to see a rate increase of 9% to 20% per claim, though this number varies by the type of claim and the number of claims you've filed previously.
When not to file a home insurance claim?
- 1: The cost to repair or replace does not exceed your deductible. ...
- 2: It's a maintenance issue or normal wear-and-tear. ...
- 3: You've filed a claim within the last three years.
Is it worth claiming on home insurance?
If it's an amount you could afford to cover yourself, you might be better off not claiming rather than risking a jump in premiums. Plus, it can help to protect any no-claims discount you've built up, which can get you a better price when it comes to renewing your cover.
Who should you call first when needing to file an insurance claim?
Notify your agent and/or your insurance company immediately. If anyone is injured or the vehicle damage exceeds $750.00, you must report the accident to the Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days.
What is the 50% rule in insurance?
In California's personal injury cases, the concept of 50/50 liability applies when both parties are equally responsible for an accident or incident. This shared responsibility is also referred to as equal fault or shared fault, and it falls under the broader category of comparative fault.
What not to tell homeowners insurance?
Avoid any admissions of fault or liability when talking to your adjuster. Such statements can be used to shift blame, potentially decreasing the amount you might be compensated. Instead, focus on describing the damage and the events as they happened, without inserting personal opinions about who might be at fault.
What not to say when filing a claim?
- “I'm sorry.”
- “It was all/partly my fault.”
- “I did not see the other person/driver.”
What home insurance adjusters won't tell you?
Adjusters may downplay the extent of the damage, offer lowball settlements, or employ various tactics to delay the claim settlement process. To navigate this challenge, homeowners must be prepared, well-documented, and persistent in advocating for their rights.
Will my homeowners insurance go up if I file a roof claim?
The truth is that filing a roof claim can indeed result in a higher insurance premium, but the extent of the increase depends on various factors. For instance, if you have filed multiple claims in the past, your insurance company may consider you a higher risk and increase your premium accordingly.
What voids homeowners insurance?
Common exclusions in even the most comprehensive homeowners policies include: earth movement, such as earthquakes; sinkholes or landslides that damage your home; water damage, such as floods or sewer back-ups that leak through a pipe or seep through the foundation causing damage to your home; damage resulting from ...
How to win a home insurance claim?
Photographs, receipts, police reports and even the written inspections of contractors can be useful evidence. Once you've thoroughly reviewed your policy and documented your case, it's time to speak with your insurance company to let them know you're disputing the claim denial.
Can I keep extra homeowners insurance claim money?
Any excess home insurance claim money is legally yours, provided that you did not commit insurance fraud to obtain the additional amount, or if your insurance company doesn't expect the funds to be returned.
Will my insurance go up if I file a claim?
Insurance claims can cause your insurance rate to increase for a temporary amount of time, typically three to five years.
How do I ask for more money from my home insurance claim?
- Understand the Policy You Bought (Or Was Bought For You) ...
- Understanding the Role of Insurance Adjusters and Pubic Adjusters. ...
- Understand What's In Your Claim and Settlement Offer. ...
- Preparing for Negotiations. ...
- Appeal Your Offer. ...
- Consult a Property Damage Lawyer.
What is a reasonable settlement figure?
A reasonable proposed settlement figure is one that takes into account the amount of awards juries in your area have made in recent, similar cases. Your initial settlement demand should be a number that's high enough to leave you room for negotiation.
Can I keep my homeowners insurance claim check and make the repairs myself?
Can I keep my homeowners insurance claim check and make the repairs myself? Your ability to complete your repairs on your own will depend on your policy and the nature of the repairs. Many insurance companies will allow you to complete simple repairs yourself, though they may require supervision.