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Common Winter Insurance Claims & How to Prevent Them

Posted on January 26, 2022 by Norcia Insurance Consultants

Whether this winter brings sub-zero temperatures, multiple feet of snow or all of the above, winter-induced home damage can sometimes be unavoidable. But sufficient insurance coverage may cover even the most bitter disaster. It is important to get what you are owed in the event of a winter disaster and the professionals at Norcia Insurance Consultants are here to help. We are the trusted name in insurance claims for MN and can work on your behalf to help get what you are entitled to. Here are a few of the most common types of winter-related home damage plus how you can prevent them.

Ice Dams

Last month we covered ice dams and how to prevent them. They are a major problem in the winter and can lead to mold and leakage. An “ice dam” forms on a roof when snow melts and refreezes near the gutters or roof edges. When the ice begins to melt again, the water can seep under roof shingles. the subsequent icicles hanging from your roof might be enchanting, but a heavy icicle could rip off a gutter.

Have a professional inspect your roof to see if solutions like heat cables and rubberized shingles can keep ice dams from forming in the first place. You should also keep all gutters clear of debris so melted snow can drain properly.

Fallen Branches

It may not be the first you think of when it comes to winter hazards, but tree branches cause a major threat especially following an ice or snowstorm. If an icy branch does fall, your insurance policy’s dwelling coverage should cover necessary repairs to the home, while your other structures coverage will pay for things like a damaged fence or shed.

Burst Pipes

A more obvious winter home disaster, frozen pipes can burst and cause accidental water damage, which can be expensive to repair. Make sure you do what you can to prevent any frozen pipes, but if water damage does occur, homeowners need to take action to mitigate further damage, like turning off the water valve.

Fires

Fireplaces, space heaters and other forms of electricity make house fires one of the most common causes of winter insurance claims. Be sure to do everything you can to prevent fires this winter. And if a fire does occur, make sure you get the help you need.

Need help with any insurance claims disputes involving your MN home or business? Call Norcia Insurance Consultants at 866-512-LOSS (5677) or you can contact us to set up your Free Consultation.

Common Winter Home Damage & What to Do

Posted on November 15, 2021 by Norcia Insurance Consultants

There are many damages that can occur to a home in the fall and winter months. In the event of a storm or other damage, first make sure everyone is safe. Once you’ve ensured everyone’s safety, contact your insurance agent or your insurance claims adjuster for instructions on what to do until they arrive. You can begin preparing an inventory of personal property damaged and take pictures of any damage to the property. Our insurance claims professionals from Norcia can do all of this for you as well. We are the trusted insurance consultants for Minnesota and we are here to provide you with a list of possible home damages to be aware of this winter.

Ice Dams

While once thought of as a problem with the roofing or ventilation, ice dams are actually caused by the presence of warm, moist air in the attic, combined with snow on the roof and the right weather conditions. Ice dams occur when heat gets into the attic and then melts the underside of the snow on the roof. This melted snow then flows down the roof until it reaches a cold spot like the eaves or soffit and forms a frozen dam where additional snowmelt and ice build up. Then, the ice buildup can back up under the shingles, damaging them and allowing water to leak into the ceilings and walls beneath.

Roof Damage

Roof damage insurance claims can be tricky. Some roof damage is always covered by a home insurance policy, while other roof damage is not. Most home insurance policies cover unexpected roof damage like hail damage, fallen debris and the like. If your roof was damaged in a storm, then your home insurance should cover the cost of repairing your roof to its pre-loss condition. To get professional repairs you can depend on, JTR Roofing offers top notch roofing and siding repair for area residents.

Tree Limbs

When heavy rains, wind or a falling tree limbs wreak havoc, your first step is to make sure everyone is safe and your home is safe to be in. Do not go outside if it is still storming or if it’s possible tree limbs could still break and fall, even if you suspect your home or property has been damaged. Wait until the weather clears up and it is safe to venture outdoors.

Damage to your home from fallen trees is usually covered under most homeowners’ policies. Most companies will pay to have trees removed from the damaged structure however not all companies will do so.

When it comes to your parked vehicle, your comprehensive automobile insurance will cover damage that occurs there.

To learn more about our insurance consultants serving Minnesota, call Norcia Insurance Consultants at 866-512-LOSS (5677), or you can contact us to set up your Free Consultation.

Tips for Filing an Insurance Claim During the Holiday Season

Posted on October 28, 2021 by Norcia Insurance Consultants

The holidays are coming. In fact, Thanksgiving is just one month away. While you may be prepared for fun and festivities, you may not be prepared for the worst. With many people traveling, shopping and decorating over the holiday season, there is a higher risk of home burglaries, property loss and damage than the rest of the year. During this busy season, insurance companies have more to contend with, which makes filing a claim all the more difficult. To successfully file a claim in the event of a holiday emergency, our experts in insurance claims management for MN have put together these simple tips.

wood stove with fire burning inside and logs underneath

1. Contact the authorities first. Whether you experience storm damage or need to make a crime-related claim, always make sure everyone is safe first and contact the police, ambulance or fire department if necessary. They also begin the investigative process necessary to prove your claim with the insurance company.

2. Once you’ve ensured everyone’s safety, it’s time to call the experts at Norcia Insurance Consultants. We will be able to walk you through every step in the insurance claim process. Even if you are unsure whether the damage warrants an insurance claim, we can get you the help you need to get started. Even if a claim is fairly minor, like a cracked or broken window that won’t exceed your annual deductible, you should still report that damage.

3. Always keep track of everything pertaining to your insurance claim. This is where good insurance claims management comes in. It is important to keep a record of all interactions with local authorities, insurance agents and repair companies. This can help you make a better case when filing and protect you against unfair claims handling practices by your insurance company. Insurance companies are the busiest around this time of the year, making them more likely to make mistakes and cut corners on your claim. Our experts at Norcia can handle all of this for you.

4. Always seek assistance from an insurance claims management professional. Filing an insurance claim during the holidays has several challenges. Insurance companies are likely to decline more cases to ease their workload, but this can negatively affect policyholders. For the best protection of your rights, schedule an insurance dispute consultation.

Don’t contact your insurance company to file insurance claims directly. With assistance from the experts at Norcia, we can take care of this for you. We can come to your home, talk to your insurance company for you, explain to you what is unfolding, clarify all aspects of the paperwork and go over contracts to help you understand them.

For insurance claims management in MN, call Norcia Insurance Consultants at 866-512-LOSS (5677), or you can contact us to set up your Free Consultation.

Insurance Claims Disputes & Questions

Posted on September 3, 2021 by Norcia Insurance Consultants

This summer’s weather has been unpredictable to say the least with high temperatures, flooding and other not-so-mild weather activity. And, this fall and winter are shaping up to be much of the same. Weather events can wreak havoc on your home and property. When a storm hits and causes damage, it can be a stressful and upsetting time and you may not know what to do or where to begin. That’s why the experts at Norcia are here to answer all of your questions about your insurance claim and property. And, when insurance claims disputes arise in MN, we are the experts to call. When it comes to weather, insurance, and the home, there can be a lot of unanswered questions especially in the event of a denied claim. That’s where we come in. Our insurance claims experts will work for you and not the insurance company, working to get you what you are entitled to.

In our work over the years, we have heard from many people who have questions and are in need of help with their insurance claims. We are here to provide assistance. We’ve put together answers to some of the most common insurance claims questions for your reference. And remember, if you find yourself with insurance claims disputes, don’t hesitate to call the professionals at Norcia Insurance Consultants.

What is the first thing I should do after my home’s been damaged?

First, make sure everyone is safe. Once you’ve ensured everyone’s safety, contact your insurance agent or your insurance claims adjuster for instructions on what to do until they arrive. You can begin preparing an inventory of personal property damaged and take pictures of any damage to the property. Our insurance claims professionals from Norcia can do all of this for you as well.

If possible, find temporary shelter either with family or friends. Or, rent temporary shelter. If your home is uninhabitable because of physical damage, most homeowners’ policies will pay additional living expenses while your property is being repaired.

My home was damaged in a flood, is that covered?

Unfortunately, chances are, your policy does not cover flood damage. Most policies cover damage from falling water or rain blown by the wind, but not from rising water or flooding. In many cases, homeowners must have a separate or additional flood policy that covers rising water or flooding.

Why is the settlement lower than expected?

Ask for clarification. If it cites an exclusion or other specific language in your policy, ask it to point out the section. Or, call the professionals at Norcia and we can help settle any insurance claims disputes.

Do you need help with insurance claims disputes in MN? For more information on insurance claims help, call Norcia Insurance Consultants at 866-512-LOSS (5677), or you can contact us to set up your Free Consultation.

Important Summer Safety Tips from an Insurance Adjuster

Posted on June 18, 2021 by Norcia Insurance Consultants

All over the country, temperatures are rising. With summer just setting in, there are many hot weather hazards ahead of us. So as the trusted insurance adjuster for WI, we thought we would put together a list of some summer safety tips to help local residents stay safe all season long.

During the hot summer months, multiple appliances can be plugged in at a time. Additional strain from AC units can potentially cause outages, blackouts and even shorts. More appliances combined with soaring temperatures increases the chance for a short circuit, thus creating the danger of a house fire. Limit appliance use and make sure your circuit breaker is able to handle the extra strain.

Speaking of appliances, is your air conditioner safe to use? We all use air conditioners to help keep temperatures tolerable indoors. However, many units are either dirty or not up to date. This not only causes poor air quality but high energy costs and fire hazards as well. While your air conditioning many have already been running for a few weeks now, it’s still important to make sure your AC is cleaned or serviced to ensure safety. With an inspection you can ensure the electrical elements are safe to use and that your filters are replaced often.

This time of year, summer rains can also pose a big problem, causing flooded basements and damaged appliances. Floods can cause a lot of damage so keep your eye on the weather and make sure your home, including the roof and basement is prepared for heavy rains and that you have proper flood insurance.

Careless grilling or fire burning is something else to be avoided. Before you start cooking or burning wood outside, remember never step away from the fire, to check your gas tank for hose leaks, blockages and holes and if using a charcoal grill, wait for the coals to cool completely before disposing of it.

These are just a few of the important summer safety tips to keep in mind. In the unfortunate event that something does occur, call a public adjuster for assistance. Our public adjusters can help take away a lot of the stress you are experiencing. If one of these events were to occur and you need to make a claim with your insurance company, we can help you deal with the legwork associated with filing a claim.

Ready to learn more about how our insurance adjuster in WI can help you in the event of damages this summer? Call Norcia Insurance Consultants at 866-512-LOSS (5677) or Schedule a Free Consultation.