Residential Property Claims Guide

5 • Dwelling By identifying the structural damage to your home and other buildings on your premises, like a garage, tool shed, or in-ground swimming-pool, you can begin making a list of everything you would like to show the adjuster when he or she arrives. This should include cracks in the walls, damage to the floor or ceiling, and missing roofing tiles. If structural damage is likely, even though you can’t see any signs of it, discuss this with your adjuster. In some cases the adjuster may recommend hiring a licensed engineer to inspect the property. Have the electrical system checked as well. Get written bids from reliable, licensed contractors on the repair work. The bids should include details of the materials to be used, and the prices should be listed on a line-by-line basis. • Trees, Shrubs and Landscapes/Debris Removal Trees, shrubs, and other plants are insured on a limited basis. The aggregate limit for a loss under this coverage generally is 5% of the dwelling limit of liability provided as an additional amount of insurance, with a sub-limit of $500.00 (and in some cases $250.00) for loss to any one tree, shrub, or plant. Check the language in your individual policy for the coverage that applies. If a covered loss leaves debris that must be removed, this coverage will allow you to apply a certain percentage, generally 5%, of the coverage limit to pay for their removal. These costs are included as part of the limit of liability applicable to covered property. • Water Damage Homeowners policies do not cover flood damage, but they do cover other kinds of water damage. For example, they would generally pay for damage from rain coming through an opening in the roof or a broken window, as long as the opening was caused by strong winds or any other covered exposure listed in the policy. If there is water damage, check with your insurance company representative as to whether it is covered. (Flood insurance can be purchased as a separate policy in addition to your homeowners policy.)