1. Delaying the Claim or Waiting Too Long to Report Damage
It’s tempting to wait until you understand the full damage before filing a claim but that delay can cost you. Many homeowner policies require prompt notice, and waiting may give your insurer grounds to deny or downsize your claim.
Tip: As soon as conditions allow, report your claim, even if it’s preliminary. This starts the claims process and get you an assigned claims adjuster quickly.

2. Failing to Document the Damage Thoroughly
Insufficient documentation is a leading reason for delays, underpayments, or denials.
Homeowners often begin cleanup or repairs too quickly, eliminating physical evidence of damage. Also, some homeowners discard items without preservation or neglect to photograph everything, from structural damage to belongings, contents, and water lines.
Tip: Before any cleanup, take wide-angle shots, close-ups, and video from multiple angles. Use timestamps and in the video audibly note the date and time. Create an inventory of damaged contents, with serial numbers, receipts if you have them, and descriptions.

3. Starting Permanent Repairs Too Soon
While it’s often necessary to make emergency or temporary repairs (tarping a roof, boarding windows) to prevent further damage, doing full reconstruction before the adjuster inspects can undermine your claim. Once walls are replaced or roofs rebuilt, it becomes much harder to prove the original damage or value.
Tip: Limit your early work to mitigation, meaning temporary fixes, only. Always keep receipts for those, and don’t commit to permanent repairs until all inspections and estimates are completed.

4. Misunderstanding Policy Coverage or Using the Wrong Language
Many homeowners assume their policies cover everything, only to find exclusions or clauses that reduce the payout. Even a single word can be critical. For example, calling damage “flood” rather than “water intrusion” might trigger exclusions. (Standard homeowners’ policies often exclude flood damage, which typically requires separate flood insurance.)
Tip: Before hurricane season, review your policy carefully (or ask your agent or adjuster to walk you through it). Know what is covered such as wind, water intrusion, mold, contents, additional living expenses (ALE), etc. and what isn’t.

5. Accepting the First Settlement Offer
Insurers often make an initial low offer to settle claims quickly. Many homeowners feel pressured and accept it, only to discover later that hidden or structural damage was left out. Signing a release prematurely can prevent you from being able to reopen or request additional funds.
Tip: Don’t sign anything until you’ve gotten a full inspection and second opinions, if needed. Be ready to negotiate or counteroffer and include receipts and estimates from multiple contractors if necessary.

How Accredited Adjusters Reduce Risk & Headaches
When you engage a qualified, accredited claims adjuster whether staff, independent, or public, you gain a strategic partner in your claim. Here’s how they help:
• Expert Policy Interpretation & Advocacy An experienced adjuster knows how to read and interpret the fine print of homeowners insurance policies. They can spot exclusions, coverage limits, or provisions you might not notice. They act as your advocate, not on behalf of the insurer and help you pursue a fair settlement.

• Thorough, Credible Damage Assessment Accredited claims adjusters bring expertise in damage estimation, structural evaluation, and documentation. They know how to measure all losses, both those visible and those that are hidden and how to build a defensible claim package. They ensure receipts, inventories, photos, and estimates are assembled properly for the insurer’s review.

• Negotiation Leverage & Claim Advocacy Because they understand the insurance industry and adjuster tactics, your adjuster can push back on undervalued offers or gaps. They can aggressively negotiate on your behalf, ensuring you receive full value.

• Reduced Stress & Fewer Errors With an accredited claims adjuster managing the technical, logistical, and communications aspects, you avoid many of the procedural traps homeowners often fall into such as missed deadlines, lost documentation, missteps in repairs, or contractual misinterpretations. The adjuster becomes your single point of contact to streamline the claims process.

• Compliance & Ethical Assurance Professional adjusters often maintain certifications or belong to associations, such as Adjuster’s International (https://www.adjustersinternational.com/resources/news-and-events/what-can-a-public-adjuster-do-for-you/) which require continuing education, professional standards, and ethical rules. For example, bodies like the Association of Certified Adjusters (https://adjusterpro.com/association-of-certified-adjusters) recognizes adjusters who meet licensing and educational standards. This helps assure you that your claim is handled with diligence and in compliance with regulations.
Practical Tips That Complement Your Adjuster’s Work

Here are action steps homeowners should take in tandem with their adjuster:
1. Document Everything Immediately Take photographs, video, and detailed notes of all damage before any cleanup or repair. Maintain a secure backup copy (cloud or external drive).

2. Preserve Evidence & Don’t Discard Items Avoid throwing away damaged belongings until the adjuster or insurer inspects them. Even partially damaged items can be evidence.

3. Use Temporary Repairs when Needed and Keep Your Receipts You may tarp roofs, board windows, or move belongings, but avoid major repairs until inspections are complete. Keep receipts meticulously.

4. Catalog Additional Living Expenses (ALE) If your home is uninhabitable, your policy may cover hotel, meals, and transport. Document and submit those costs with receipts.

5. Keep All Communication Records Record names, dates, times, and summaries of calls/emails with insurers, adjusters, or contractors. Save copies of every form, estimate, or correspondence.

6. Consult Before Signing Releases Don’t sign final releases until you are confident all damage (including emerging or hidden damage) is captured.
By proactively avoiding the common mistakes above and enlisting the support of an accredited adjuster, you greatly reduce stress, disputes, delays, and losses. The adjuster helps you navigate the complexity of the insurance claims process, assembles the evidence, negotiates with the insurer, and ensures your claim reflects the full scope of your loss. The end result is fewer headaches, better outcomes, and a faster path toward recovery for you.

If the world of insurance causes you some curiosity as you think about your career, we invite you to give us a call to learn more about our 6-20 Accredited Claims Adjuster designation course.  Contact us today at 1-800-309-2549 for more information, or visit our FAQ section on our website.