To-Dos and Not-To-Dos for a Faster, Larger Insurance Settlement

Being prepared is the best way to avoid costly confusion, delays, and underpayment when filing an insurance claim.

Over decades of experience, we’ve seen the same mistakes cost property owners thousands.

Here’s what you need to know:

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1. Know Your Coverage

• Account for inflation and rising construction costs
• Understand limits, exclusions, and coinsurance

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2. Don’t Mislabel Water Damage

• A broken pipe ≠ flood
• Calling damage “mold” can trigger coverage limits

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3. Preserve Evidence

• Keep the item that caused the damage
• Take wide and close-up photos
• Save damaged contents until settlement

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4. Act Quickly—but Carefully

• Hire a reputable remediation company
• Avoid unnecessary replacement work
• Track moisture and damage progression

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5. Separate Repair vs Code Costs

• Understand what’s required vs what’s upgraded
• Ensure code compliance coverage is adequate

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6. Condo Owners: Know the Difference

• Your policy may cover more than your association’s

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