Month 2: Navigating Insurance Reimbursement Process

Month 2: Insurance Reimbursement.

Here are some detailed steps to guide you through the private insurance reimbursement process:

Complete All Required Insurance Forms

Accuracy is Key: Carefully fill out all forms provided by your insurance company. Double-check for any possible mistakes or missing form fields and line items. Ensure that you include all necessary and relevant documentation, such as estimates, receipts, and invoices for both the materials you purchased and the labor you performed or hired.

Provide Detailed Documentation

Labor Log: Keep a detailed log of hours worked, tasks completed, and materials used for the labor you performed yourself. Include dates, descriptions of the work, and any relevant photos.

Invoices and Receipts: Be sure you have detailed invoices and receipts from hired workers and companies. These documents should clearly outline the work done, the materials used, and the actual costs incurred.

Obtain Multiple Estimates

Validate Costs: Provide multiple estimates to your insurance company from professional tradespeople and contractors to demonstrate the reasonable cost of repairs.

Take Photos and Videos

Visual Evidence: Document the repair process with photos. This visual evidence can support your claims and provide a clear picture of the work done. Be sure to capture before, during, and after images of all repairs.

Submit Detailed Claims

Break Down Costs: When submitting your claims, break down the costs of materials, labor, and any subcontracted work into categories. You do not have to itemize each group simply make it understandable.

Example:

• Removed old cabinet: $69.00
• Installed new cabinet: $165
• Removed Window 32x52in: $50
• Installed Window 32x52in: $250

Brief Statements: Provide a clear explanation of why these expenses were necessary but keep it short and focused in it’s description. Your insurance adjuster review will be made of summaries.

Organize Documentation: Organize your documentation in a clear and logical manner. Create a binder or digital folder with all relevant documents, including estimates, receipts, invoices, and photos. Be sure to ask your insurance adjuster what document format they accept. Some common formats are, excel type spreadsheet, word document, PDF, application uploads and zip files. Your adjuster will have samples, templates and suggestions.

Communicate Clearly with Your Insurance Company

Maintain Records: Keep records of all correspondence with your insurance company, including emails and phone calls. Document the names of the representatives you speak with and the details of your conversations.

Follow Up: Regularly follow up with your insurance company to check on the status of your claims. Ensure your insurance company acknowledges receipt of your claims and understands the details.

No Room for Empathy: Please note that this process focuses solely on the factual and documented details of your claim, without seeking empathy or expressing personal emotions. We avoid seeking empathy in exchange for Professionalism, Objectivity, Efficiency and avoiding any misunderstanding which will allow the disaster victim a better comfort level of communications regarding personal property and structural damage discussions with a third party non-family member.

Request a Reinspection if Necessary

Challenge Inadequate Assessments: If your initial claim is denied or undervalued, request a reinspection. You have three (3) types of reimspection, 1) Original Inspector returns to property, 2) Remote inspector conducts an inspection directly with you. 3) Third Party Inspector hired by you or your lawyer. You will need to provide additional evidence and documentation to support your case for a reinspection. You should present your evidence in a simple format of “If all that you say is true then it’s all true. If anything you say is false it’s all false.” This method of writing will limit any rebuttal or denial of claim. Be prepared to explain why the initial assessment was inadequate.

Hire a Public Adjuster

Professional Advocacy: Consider hiring a public adjuster to independently assess the damage and advocate on your behalf. A public adjuster can help ensure that all aspects of the repair are covered and that you receive a fair payout. You may also want to hire a lawyer who works with a public adjuster to secure your additional funds. When you incur additional costs due to hiring public adjusters or lawyers, you may be eligible for reimbursement of these expenses, but only if you win your case. This is why hiring based on a contingency of payment is the most logical pathway to disaster debt reduction.

File an Appeal if Denied

Persistence Pays Off: If your claim is denied or underpaid, file an appeal following the procedures outlined in your policy. Submit all necessary documentation and evidence to support your appeal. Be persistent and provide a clear, well-organized case for why the denial should be overturned. We typically win cases based on arguing policy, review your policy to make sure you have a reference to work from or a section that can be interpreted to strengthen your appeals case.

Seek Legal Assistance

Legal Support: If you are unable to resolve the issue through the claims and appeals process, consider hiring an attorney who specializes in insurance claims. Legal assistance can help you navigate the complexities of the process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Be sure you hire an attorney that works on contingency. Legal fees are considered unmet needs from at least one grant program managed by your state housing and urban development agency. The reimbursement grant is only eligible if you win your case and if your state provides a grant program for unmet needs.

Editors Note

Navigating the reimbursement process with an insurance company can be a daunting task, but by following these steps, you can improve your chances of receiving full compensation for the labor and materials used in repairing your home. Stay organized, document everything, and communicate clearly with your insurance company. Don't hesitate to seek professional assistance if needed. Your persistence and thoroughness can make a significant difference in securing the funding necessary to restore your home.

This article will be updated from time to time based on feedback and success reported by homeowners recovering from a major disaster.