how long can i wait to report a claim

by cphcharliebrown » Tue Jul 07, 2009 05:45 pm

can i wait 4 months after date of loss? i experienced water damage in the hall and dinning room of my home due to water heater pipe busting in feb. 09. it happened in the middle of the night and went on most of the next day until the plumber turned the water off and replaced the pipe and water heater. i am suffering from anxiety and major depression and feel i have too much going on. signs of floor damage were not apparent until may/june and at that time i called, the tile began to lift and move which then caused my to fall. i'm handicapped

Total Comments: 10

Posted: Tue Jul 07, 2009 08:41 pm Post Subject:

Can you wait 4 months? Yes.... but this is not to say that it's not going to change anything.

Insurance companies like to have the loss information reported as soon as possible. One reason is that they can determine the damage at that time. If you fail to correct the situation and further damage is a result, they may not cover the "further" damage part. I don't know that there was any additional damage as you state that you had the pipe repaired asap. It seems that the water damage at that time may/might have caused the tile to pop up anyway. Of course, now you will need to explain why you did not report the loss when it happened. While it may be difficult, you may want to let the adjuster know that you suffer from depression and just was not able to handle the situation at the time. Personally, I'd understand.

You may think reporting the claim and dealing with it will be difficult. I really think it will be rather easy. While it's hard, try to think the experience will be a positive one rather then a difficult one. Thinking it's going to be difficult will only make it so.

Posted: Wed Jul 08, 2009 12:33 am Post Subject:

You stated that you "called" in May/June. Did you call your insurance company?

Posted: Wed Jul 08, 2009 01:03 am Post Subject:

how long can i wait to report a claim



It depends on the state you live in. Usually it's 30 days.

Posted: Wed Jul 08, 2009 01:05 am Post Subject:

It depends on the state you live in. Usually it's 30 days.

Where are you getting 30 days?

Statute of limitations on 1st party contracts is much longer then 30 days in every state.

Posted: Wed Jul 08, 2009 01:24 am Post Subject:

sorry i stand corrected on what i post recently, i mean is that "you can file for an insurance claim from a car accident" usually it's 30 days... i'm sorry i'm talking about car accident insurance.
yeah i know i'm out of topic on above mention, sorry for that. :(

Posted: Wed Jul 08, 2009 01:27 am Post Subject:

I have experienced claims reported one year after the loss. 30 days is the time the adjuster has to pay or deny the claim. If the investigation is ongoing the company has to advise the 1st party (or 3rd depending on the type of loss) in writing each month until the investigation has concluded.

This must certainly be what you are referring to as there is no 30 day time limit for reporting a loss. (At least not in any insurance policy I've read). The insured has a duty to report the loss and cooperate with their carrier upon discovery of a loss. OP states that they did not report the loss initially however damage from the loss appears to have been discovered in May/June and it sounds like OP called. I don't know who OP called but I am assuming it is the company.

Posted: Wed Jul 08, 2009 01:34 am Post Subject:

yeah that's what i'm referring to.

Posted: Wed Jul 08, 2009 05:36 am Post Subject:

Hello Cphcharliebrown,

Have you reported the previous damage to the insurer? Has that been taken care of?

IMO you may get in touch with the adjuster who had attended your case earlier. I'd be easier for you to explain the situation to her since she already has the background information.

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