Photographic evidence is a game changer, no doubt. But don’t forget about video walkthroughs. I did a quick tour of my place every six months, just casually showing the state of everything. When the adjuster came, I had months of footage to back up my claims. It made a huge difference, especially for the stuff that’s hard to photograph properly.
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I went the independent appraiser route after my flood. The adjuster’s numbers were way off, especially for my custom-built furniture. The appraiser’s report added weight to my argument, and the insurance company had to reconsider. It’s an extra cost, but for high-value items, it’s worth it.
Policy specifics can be a maze. I learned the hard way that ‘replacement cost’ doesn’t always mean ‘like for like’. After my claim, I sat down with my agent to go over every detail. Now, I make sure to update my policy annually to reflect any new purchases or renovations. It’s a hassle, but it’s better than being underinsured.
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I found that being present during the adjuster’s visit made a big difference. I walked them through the damage, pointed out things they might miss, and explained the value of certain items. It’s harder for them to undervalue your claim when you’re right there, advocating for yourself.
One thing that helped me was keeping a detailed inventory with serial numbers and purchase dates. I used a simple spreadsheet, but there are apps for that too. When the adjuster questioned the value of my electronics, I had all the info ready. It sped up the process and helped get a fairer assessment.
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