"Insurance companies count on people giving up easily, so staying organized and calm usually pays off."
Haha, ain't that the truth. I've seen enough insurance fine print to wallpaper my entire house twice over... and trust me, it'd probably hold up better than some of the drywall I've inspected lately.
But seriously, documenting everything is spot-on advice. Had a client once who was dealing with water damage after a pipe burst. Insurance company tried to wiggle out of it, claiming the pipe wasn't "properly maintained" (whatever that means). Luckily, the homeowner had kept meticulous records—maintenance receipts, plumber visits, even photos from when they first moved in. It was like watching a courtroom drama unfold via email attachments.
Eventually, the insurance rep realized they weren't dealing with someone who'd just roll over and give up. Funny how quickly their tune changed once they saw all those neatly organized PDFs and timestamps.
Still, patience is key. These companies move slower than molasses uphill in January. If you can keep your cool and stay persistent without losing your sense of humor (or sanity), you're already halfway there. And if things get really messy, bringing in an advocate can help—but most times, just showing them you're not going away quietly does the trick.
Anyway, good luck out there—may your paperwork be thorough and your patience endless... or at least longer than theirs.
Couldn't agree more on the documentation part. I've dealt with plenty of roof damage claims, and insurers often try to pin issues on "improper installation" or "lack of maintenance." One homeowner I worked with had drone footage from a recent inspection—saved him big time when the adjuster tried to deny hail damage. Bottom line, thorough records and clear evidence can make all the difference when you're up against their fine print.
Yeah, drone footage is smart, but honestly, how many of us actually have that handy? I've mostly just snapped pics with my phone. Wonder if timestamped photos alone hold up as well as drone vids when push comes to shove...
Yeah, timestamped phone pics usually do the trick. I've had two claims over the years—one for storm damage and another for a busted pipe—and both times, my phone photos were enough. The adjuster mainly wanted clear evidence of the damage and proof it happened when I said it did. Drone footage is fancy, sure, but honestly, insurance companies just want solid documentation. If you can clearly show before-and-after conditions with timestamps, you're generally good to go.
One thing I'd suggest though: make sure your phone's date and time settings are accurate. Had a buddy whose phone was off by a day or two, and it caused him some headaches during his claim. Small detail, but worth double-checking...
"Drone footage is fancy, sure, but honestly, insurance companies just want solid documentation."
Yeah, totally agree with this. Drone shots look impressive, but adjusters usually care more about clarity and timing than cinematic quality. One thing I'd add—have you checked your policy's fine print on secondary damage? Some insurers get picky if they think you didn't mitigate further damage after the initial event. Had a client once whose claim got complicated because he didn't tarp his roof right away... worth double-checking your policy details on that front.
