When storms, fires or criminal activity damage homes and other real property, people turn to their insurance to pay for repairs. Some insurance claims are straightforward. People file a claim for a covered loss, possibly related to storm damage or a house fire.
They may receive up to their policy limits in payout from the insurance company. However, sometimes the origins of property damage may invite scrutiny. There may be questions about whether a covered event or some other, subsequent issue caused the property damage. In such cases, the insurance claims process can be quite lengthy and contentious.
What is subsequent damage?
Subsequent damage relates to secondary issues that arise because of a primary covered event. When a storm damages the roof of a home, interior water damage could develop anytime it storms again until roof repair is complete, for example. The damage to the interior of the edifice may constitute subsequent damage, as it did not occur during the initial event that led to the insurance claim.
However, when it is clear that subsequent damage is the result of damage caused by a covered incident, an insurance policy may cover some of those damages as well. Specific factors, such as whether or not the policyholder took reasonable steps to prevent subsequent damage and preserve the property’s condition until repairs were possible, can influence how the insurance company handles the client for subsequent damage.
Those dealing with complex property damage claims may struggle to secure the optimal policy payout that they deserve. Reviewing insurance paperwork and reports of damage with a lawyer can help people successfully navigate complicated property damage insurance claims.