If your home has been damaged by a storm, a plumbing leak, or another unexpected disaster, you might be wondering if you should file an insurance claim. I get it—dealing with insurance is never fun, and a lot of homeowners put it off because they’re unsure if it’s worth it or they’re worried about their rates going up. But waiting too long can cost you big time.
Most insurance policies have strict deadlines for filing claims, and those deadlines are getting shorter. If you wait too long, your claim can be denied outright, leaving you stuck paying for repairs out of pocket.
At the same time, I understand why you might hesitate. What if the damage isn’t bad enough to file a claim? What if the repairs cost less than your deductible? That’s exactly why I offer free damage inspections. As a public adjuster, I can assess your property, document any potential damage, and let you know whether filing a claim is worth it—before you involve your insurance company.
Why You Can’t Afford to Wait
A lot of homeowners assume they have years to file a claim, but that’s just not the case. Every insurance policy has a statute of limitations—a time limit on how long you have to report damage and file a claim. Traditionally, this window was around two to five years, but many insurance companies have started shortening it. Some now require claims to be filed within one year—or even just six months.
If you wait too long, your insurance company can legally deny your claim, no matter how bad the damage is. That means you’re stuck footing the bill for all repairs, even if your policy should have covered them.
Insurance companies are tightening these deadlines because it saves them money. They argue that shorter filing windows help prevent fraud, but in reality, it allows them to deny more claims and pay out less to homeowners like you. The sooner you take action, the less opportunity they have to turn you away.
Will Filing a Claim Raise Your Insurance Rates?
I hear this concern all the time: “If I file a claim, won’t my premiums go up?” The truth is, not every claim leads to a rate increase.
If your damage is from a storm, hurricane, hail, or another natural disaster, your rates typically won’t increase just because you filed. That’s because insurers adjust rates based on overall claims in your area, not just yours. So whether you file or not, if a lot of people in your neighborhood are filing claims, rates are probably going up anyway.
However, claims for things like plumbing leaks, water damage, or theft could impact your premiums, especially if you’ve had multiple claims in a short period. That’s why it’s important to know whether your claim is worth filing—which is something I can help with during a free inspection.
How I Can Help Before You File
I know the claims process inside and out, and I understand that filing a claim is a big decision. That’s why I offer free property damage inspections before you even involve your insurance company.
Here’s how it works:
- I’ll personally inspect your property to assess any damage.
- I’ll document everything with photos and notes.
- I’ll estimate the repair costs and determine if they exceed your deductible.
- I’ll let you know if it makes sense to file a claim or not.
If your damage is minor and won’t surpass your deductible, I’ll tell you upfront so you can avoid filing an unnecessary claim. But if the damage is significant and you should file, I’ll help make sure you get every dollar you’re entitled to—not just what the insurance company wants to pay.
What to Do If You Suspect Damage
If you’ve recently experienced a storm, plumbing issue, or any other type of property damage, don’t wait to take action. Even if you’re not sure whether to file a claim, the first step is getting a professional inspection.
I’m here to help you make the right decision—not just for today, but for the long-term protection of your home and finances. If you want peace of mind before you file, let’s schedule your free damage inspection.
Call or text me at 210-722-6886
Email me at bridgetbaldi@outlook.com
You don’t have to go through the claims process alone. Let’s get ahead of it—before the clock runs out!
Bridget Baldi - Public Adjuster 