Category Archives: Insurance Claims

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.

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.

The weather is warming and summer is just weeks away. And with warming temperatures also come damaging storms. While most homeowners have insurance that will cover any severe weather damages, insurance claims disputes can still arise. Insurance companies can and do occasionally deny legitimate claims. That’s where we come in. The experts at Norcia Insurance Consultants can help you resolve such insurance claims disputes and work to get you what you deserve. We have years of experience helping Wisconsin homeowners with insurance claims disputes and can help you when you need it most.

First of all, when a storm damages your home, don’t contact your insurance company to file insurance claims directly. Give us a call from the very beginning. 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. This can help keep insurance claims disputes from ever even coming up.

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 you 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.

If you’ve already filed your claim and received a response you do not agree with from your insurance company, we can help you review your original claim to search for ways to improve it before opening a dispute. The claim you originally filed, if filed without our help, could contain mistakes or lack information that may have changed the insurance company’s answer.

Many insurance companies, rather than standing by their policyholders, try to dispute claims or vastly underestimate property losses. As a claimant, you should dispute an insurance claim if you believe you deserve a different response from the claims adjuster. The timing of when to launch your dispute can be imperative to the future of your claim. At Norcia Insurance Consultants, our insurance claims disputes experts can help with the paperwork, timing and everything in between.

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