5 Things New Homeowners Say During Their First Big Insurance Claim

The average homeowner only deals with one or two major claims in their life.

As an ordinary homeowner, you’re not an insurance claim expert – and that’s okay.

When dealing with a claim, you’ll experience shocks, surprises, and annoyances.

Fortunately, at Ironside Claims, we are insurance claim experts. Here are five things new homeowners say during their first big insurance claim.

“Is It Really Going to Take That Long?”

Even the most basic insurance claims tend to take longer than expected.

It can take a while for your insurance company’s adjuster to get to your property to inspect the loss, for example. It could take longer for restoration crews to arrive.

Things take even longer when it’s part of a widespread disaster. If a hurricane strikes your area, for example, then your insurance company – and every contractor in the area – could be backed up for months.

If disputes arise, things take even longer. You may need to hire a public adjuster or attorney to level the playing field.

For all of these reasons, expect an insurance claim to take longer than you think. The larger the claim and the bigger the payout, the longer everything takes.

What you can do:

1. Keep detailed records of every call, email, and request
2. Follow up consistently with your insurance company and adjuster; don’t assume silence means progress
3. If delays seem unreasonable, consider hiring a public adjuster to move things along

“That’s Not Fair”

Overall, the insurance claim experience for new homeowners often comes down to a single line: “That’s not fair.”

The insurance claim process isn’t always fair. Homeowners might feel it’s rigged in the insurer’s favor:

• The insurer’s estimates might not match repair costs. They might offer $12,000 to replace your roof, for example, when every roofing contractor in the area says it will cost $15,000.
• The insurer might argue that damage wasn’t caused by a covered event. They might claim that the damage to your roof, for example, was caused by an old storm.
• The insurer might even unfairly blame you for failing to maintain your property. You should have known the electrician installed faulty wiring in the attic 20 years ago, for example, leading to a house fire six months after you bought the home.
• The insurer could point to fine print in your insurance contract to justify underpayment or denial. As a new homeowner, you might be unaware of exclusions or the difference between ACV and RCV – but these can derail a claim.

There’s also an unfair experience difference: your insurance company’s adjuster may have handled hundreds – even thousands – of insurance claims. They know the loopholes to use in order to limit coverage and reduce payout. As a new homeowner, you’re inexperienced through no fault of your own – and that’s okay.

What you can do:

1. Always get independent estimates from trusted local contractors
2. Compare those estimates with your insurer’s numbers
3. Push back on lowball offers – and remember you don’t need to accept the first settlement

“I Didn’t Know that Wasn’t Covered”

New homeowners often discover coverage gaps the hard way.

A standard homeowners insurance policy, for example, doesn’t cover flood damage. If your house floods, you may need to pay thousands out of pocket – even if you have good insurance.

Earthquakes, wear-and-tear, and maintenance-related damages are also excluded.

Reading policy documents is overwhelming, but understanding exclusions is critical. Otherwise, you could be left saying, “I didn’t know that wasn’t covered.”

What you can do:

1. Review your policy carefully when buying your first home
2. Ask your agent to explain exclusions in plain English
3. Consider adding endorsements or separate policies for excluded events: you can buy flood, earthquake, or sewer backup coverage, for example, if you’re at risk

“I Thought My Insurance Company Was on My Side”

Insurance companies have cool commercials with fancy jingles. They might convince you they’re on your side – but they’re probably not.

Insurance companies are businesses. Many of them are publicly traded, for-profit businesses with shareholder responsibilities. They usually care about one thing: making money and protecting their bottom line.

Insurance companies aren’t charities. If they gave away the maximum possible amount for each claim, they’d go out of business.

Your insurance company’s adjusters may claim to be on your side, but they’re usually not. They work for the insurance company. They’re salaried employees of the insurance company. If they gave away the maximum possible compensation for every claim, their employer wouldn’t like it.

As a first-time claimant, this can feel like betrayal. Don’t let it get into your head; it’s just business. You have an obligation to defend your best interests, and your insurer is protecting its best interests.

What you can do:

1. Recognize that insurance is a business and that the insurer’s bottom line likely comes first
2. Don’t take the adjuster’s word as final, and remember you have the right to dispute estimates and denials
3. Don’t be fooled into thinking the insurer cares about your financial situation, claim, or making you whole again after a loss
4. Remember that you can hire your own public adjuster to represent your best interests

“I Wish I’d Kept Better Records”

Most homeowners understand the importance of maintaining a home inventory and other thorough documentation. Most homeowners, however, don’t actually maintain a home inventory.

During your first insurance claim, your insurer will request extensive documentation, including photos, videos, receipts, and other documents proving the value of items in your home.

Do you have proof that you recently remodeled your kitchen? Do you have a receipt proving you purchased new LVP flooring? Do you know the serial number of your new 85” TV?

What you can do:

1. Start today: photograph each room in your home, along with valuables
2. Save receipts for major purchases and home improvements
3. Store records digitally so they’re accessible even if your home is damaged

How Public Adjusters Help First-Time Claimants

Lack of experience isn’t your fault. You don’t want to be an unlucky homeowner with multiple claims on your record.

Fortunately, there is a way to add experience to your side: hire a public adjuster.

A public adjuster is a licensed insurance industry expert dedicated to representing your best interests – not your insurance company’s bottom line. They use their decades of experience to manage your claim, organize documentation, identify hidden damage, and maximize the value of your claim.

Many homeowners – including new and old homeowners – hire public adjusters. They’re especially valuable on larger or complex claims.

Public adjusters can:

• Inspect and document damage thoroughly
• Review your policy and explain coverage in plain English
• Negotiate directly with the insurer for a fair payout
• Save you time, stress, and frustration during your first claim

Most public adjusters also work on contingency, so you don’t pay until you accept the insurer’s final settlement. It’s a low-risk way to protect your financial future.

Even the playing field and get experience on your side. Contact Ironside Claims today to schedule a no-cost consultation with a licensed public adjuster.