RESIDENTIAL CLAIMS

Insurance policies are usually separated into certain types of coverages, and payments will be made according to damages in that coverage; you will likely not receive one lump sum check. These amounts include:

DWELLING / PROPERTY

Damage to the structure of the main building on the property and to any permanently installed fixtures. If the property owner has a mortgage, the insurer will most likely add the mortgagee to any amounts paid under “dwelling coverage.” While dwelling or property damage may be included on the insurer’s estimate, the amount of the estimate may be challenged in many ways, including:

Refusing to pay for matching items, such as roof tiles, shingles, and paint;
Overly depreciating the value of property and contents;
Failure to pay for post-catastrophic price increases;
Failure to pay for debris clean-up and removal; and
Failure to pay for cost of compliance.

DWELLING EXTENSION

Damage to other buildings or other parts of the property, e.g., sheds and fences. If the property owner has a mortgage, the insurer will most likely add the mortgagee to any amounts paid under “dwelling coverage” and “dwelling extension.”

PERSONAL PROPERTY / CONTENTS

Lost contents, which may even include loss of food in the refrigerator. Often these policies will exclude certain high-priced items or limit the amount recoverable on these items. These may include electronics, jewelry, art and clothes.

ALTERNATIVE LIVING EXPENSES

Expenses needed to be elsewhere, including food, rent, or hotel rooms. Receipts are usually required to prove this type of damage. These expenses often do not include air fare or other transportation costs to leave an affected area.

MISCELLANEOUS DAMAGES

Amounts paid under “other coverage” or “miscellaneous coverage” usually do not have the mortgagee on the check.