Spring storm season has arrived in Missouri, and with it comes a familiar wave of property damage. Hail, high winds, tornadoes, and heavy rain can strike fast — and so can the pressure to deal with your insurance company. But rushing through the claims process, or not knowing your rights, can cost you thousands of dollars.
As a licensed Missouri public adjuster with years of experience representing policyholders, I’ve seen the same costly mistakes made again and again. Here’s what to watch for before, during, and after you file your claim.
Mistake #1: Accepting the Insurance Company’s First Offer Without Question
Many homeowners assume the insurance company’s initial estimate is fair and final. It isn’t. Insurers send their own adjusters — people whose job is to assess damage efficiently, not necessarily to maximize your settlement. That first offer is a starting point, not a final word.
Before signing any release or accepting a settlement check, have your claim independently reviewed. A licensed public adjuster represents you, not the insurer — and can identify damage or coverage that was overlooked in the initial estimate.
Mistake #2: Failing to Document Damage Thoroughly
Once a storm passes, the temptation is to start cleaning up immediately. But documentation is everything in a property damage claim. Before moving debris or beginning repairs, photograph every area of damage from multiple angles — wide shots to show context, and close-ups to capture specific damage.
Don’t forget personal property: furniture, electronics, and appliances. Keep a written log of what was damaged, when the storm occurred, and any steps you took to prevent further damage. Save all receipts for emergency repairs or protective measures.
Mistake #3: Waiting Too Long to File — or Missing a Deadline
Missouri insurance policies have reporting requirements, and waiting too long to report damage can give your insurer grounds to deny or reduce your claim — even if the damage isn’t immediately obvious, like a slow roof leak that develops after a hail event.
Report damage to your insurer as soon as reasonably possible after a storm. You don’t need to have every detail ready to file. You can and should supplement your claim as you gather more information.
Mistake #4: Making Permanent Repairs Before the Adjuster Inspects
It’s natural to want to fix your home right away. But making permanent repairs before an insurance adjuster has inspected the damage can hurt your claim. The insurer may argue they can’t assess the full extent of what happened.
Temporary emergency repairs — tarping a damaged roof, boarding broken windows — are reasonable, appropriate, and generally covered under your policy. Just make sure to document everything before and after. Hold off on permanent fixes until the adjuster has completed a thorough inspection and your claim has been fully reviewed.
Mistake #5: Not Knowing What Your Policy Actually Covers
Most homeowners have never read their full insurance policy. Key terms like Replacement Cost Value (RCV) vs. Actual Cash Value (ACV), your deductible, and policy exclusions can make a dramatic difference in what you’re paid. An ACV policy deducts depreciation from your settlement; an RCV policy pays the full cost to repair or replace damaged property. Knowing the difference before you settle matters.
Policy exclusions are another area where homeowners are often caught off guard. Wind-driven rain, flooding, and certain types of water damage may be excluded depending on your specific coverage. A careful review of your policy — ideally by someone who understands how insurers interpret these terms — can reveal coverage you didn’t know you had.
Don’t Leave Money on the Table This Storm Season
Filing an insurance claim after storm damage is stressful, and the process isn’t designed to be simple for policyholders. Insurance companies have experienced professionals on their side. You deserve the same.
If your spring storm damage claim has been denied, underpaid, or delayed, I offer a free, no-obligation review of your claim. I work entirely on contingency — you pay nothing unless I recover more money for you than you were initially offered.
Call or visit today to get started.
James H. Bushart, Licensed Missouri Public Adjuster — MO License #8207067
314-803-2167
missouripublicadjuster.org
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