Ron Snouffer - Insurance Claims

Ron is the CEO of National Claims Negotiators.

Ways that Insurance Companies screw over homeowners when trying to make a claim.
 

1.They Try to Delay Your Claim

2.Deliberately Confusing Contract

3.Suggesting You Don't Need an Attorney

4.Credit Score Discrimination

5.Canceling Policy for a Phone Call

6.Quick and Unreasonable Offers 

 

 

Following damaging storms, the weeks and months ahead will prove critical for the people impacted.

 

Meeting Immediate Needs

 

Facing significant damage, consumers may need help covering the basics like temporary housing, food and clothing.

 

“Check to see if you have something in your insurance policy called additional living expense coverage, or ALE, that can cover your expenses if you need to get a hotel or a motel so you have a roof over your head,” explained Ware Wendell of Texas Watch.

 

ALE coverage is typically included in standard homeowners and renters insurance policies. Read the policy to confirm coverage and coverage limits. If you don’t have a copy of your current policy or can’t access it, you can request it from your insurance company or agent.

 

Save receipts for out-of-pocket expenses related to your insurance claim – including hotel rooms and meals.

You can read recent NBC DFW reporting on how to contact nonprofits and disaster groups for help here. 

 

What to save and what to document

 

If you can make emergency repairs to prevent further damage to your home, save receipts and proof of payment.

 

Take videos and photos that show what happened. Preserve evidence of damage. The insurance company may want to inspect it.

 

“Save the damage because that damage is evidence. You want to make sure that's thereon the property so that your insurance adjuster can see it,” explained Wendell.“Don't throw anything out until your insurance adjuster has seen it. Make sure that you document it with photos and videos as much as humanly possible.”

 

Save your communication with the insurance company. If you’re speaking with an agent or customer service representative by phone, get an email address. After each phone call, send an email highlighting what you discussed to create a written record.