This content is sponsored by Mike John.
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The insurance company has just contacted you with a demand that you make home repairs. This can happen in the wake of a home inspection, as a result of commitments you made when you took out your insurance policy, or after making an insurance claim.
Emergency repairs can be expensive, but the threat of losing your insurance coverage or having a claim denied can have a much bigger financial impact. When your insurer asks you to make repairs, here’s what you need to know.
Insurance Claims Can Be Denied Due to Negligence
Whether a request for repairs has been triggered or not, the negligence when it comes to home repairs can be used by the insurance company to deny your claim. If this happens to you, speak with an insurance lawyer to find out if there is anything you can do.
An insurance lawyer will review your claim and see if there is a way to improve your claim. It may be possible that the cause of the damage was not properly communicated and that there is a misunderstanding with the insurer. You may be able to get your claim reopened or pursue an alternative avenue such as legal action.
What Repairs Can the Insurance Company Demand?
Insurers request repairs that they believe will help avoid a future claim. It’s not a bad idea to go through with them, even if the repairs are not required to keep your insurance. If you can avoid damage to your home and the hassles of a claim, it’s worthwhile.
Some of the most commonly requested repairs include replacing an old roof or one that’s been damaged, maintaining or removing hazardous trees, and replacing old electrical wiring. These are all factors that increase the risk of damage to your home, including water and fire damage. But some of them could be costly.
Do You Have to Make the Repairs?
Clarify with the insurer whether a repair is a requirement or a suggestion if they have not specified. If it’s only a suggestion, your policy won’t be at risk if you don’t make the repairs. That said, it can save you time and money and even improve the safety of your home.
If the insurance says that the repairs are a requirement and you disagree, you may be in for an uphill battle. Your best bet is to get a professional to do an inspection and provide a second opinion. You might also ask city inspectors to see if your home already meets safety standards.
The average homeowner likely does not have the expertise to evaluate the safety of something like their electrical system. Given how dangerous an old electrical system can be, if you have an electrician inspect the system and confirm that it’s safe for a few more years, they are not likely to risk their reputation on a false assessment. Getting a legitimate second opinion may convince the insurance company to change their mind.
When all is said and done, good home maintenance can spare you future loss, and it’s often worth considering the insurance company’s recommendations.
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This content is sponsored by Mike John.