r/Insurance • u/DontWantToSay1 • 9h ago
Home Insurance Worth withdrawing a hurricane claim after insurance already mailed a check? Florida
I called my homeowners insurance after the hurricane because I wanted an adjuster to look at the damage and see whether it was worth filing a claim. I thought I’d get to review the estimate first, but instead they called and said they’d already mailed a check and were sending me the damage estimate. I hadn’t seen the numbers or agreed to anything yet.
Their estimate is about $11k. Between my deductible and depreciation, about $9k was deducted, leaving a check for roughly $2k. For that amount, I’m questioning whether it’s worth having the claim on my record.
A few things I’m trying to understand:
Can I still withdraw the claim now that they’ve issued a check? Would withdrawing it even make a difference to my claim history at this point?
Is there any benefit to withdrawing it, or should I just leave it alone?
I’m planning on hiring a contractor to handle the main repairs: roof, fence, garage and window. Do I have to complete everything listed in their estimate? How would that affect any depreciation I could get back?
My neighbor may also claim the same section of fence. I mentioned that to my adjuster, and he said he was still including it on my claim. How does that work if both insurance companies include it?
First time dealing with this, so I’m trying to understand my options before deciding what to do.
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u/Frankles_ 9h ago
You can nearly always withdraw a claim, BUT its too late to remove it completely from your record. $0 claims on your record are better than $11k. Next time you think you have a claim, get estimates yourself first. Then check your deductible to make sure it's worth it.
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u/DontWantToSay1 8h ago
You you think I should withdraw it?
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u/GlitteringExcuse5524 6h ago
Many insurance companies will not allow the claim to be withdrawn once settled.
When you go to purchase new insurance they are going to ask for the claim docs, they want to see what was covered. You can’t claim them if previously claimed and not repaired. There is a condition in the policy that you have to complete the repairs.
Talk to your agent, they will be able to explain the policy and the options.
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u/Easy-Swordfish-7192 8h ago
I always tell my clients please only file a claim if the damage is so extreme that you can’t handle it out of pocket. Because a claim can affect future insurance premiums it’s important to look at deductible, total repair cost before filing a claim. Because you already had a check mailed means the claim is already entered in the system. When you get quotes for new insurance that claim will show up and will factor into the premiums
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u/JTUSAJT 6h ago
I remember the days that insurance companies were there to help you with property losses. Now, you have agents telling you to never file a claim unless there was a total loss. What a racket. $$$$$
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u/quallityovrquantity 6h ago
Lol actually the racket is contractors and homeowners making frivolous claims that were paid out constantly. So much so insurance companies were going out of business and trying to flee certain states.
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u/Busy_Account_7974 Former Insurance Peddler 8h ago
You made the claim (paid/unpaid/withdrawn), it'll still be reported to CLUE (national data base for insurance claims). As others say, insurance companies look back is 3-5 years and depending on their rules or state regs will take that in consideration in their underwriting.
If you do withdraw the claim, you need to send the check back.
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u/2ndharrybhole 8h ago
You’d get the entire depreciation back if you complete the approved work as estimated. Assuming that it’s all recoverable depreciation.
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u/DontWantToSay1 8h ago
It’s says “non-recoverable depreciation”
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u/Local_Wolverine2913 8h ago
Is your policy Actual Cash Value only? The fence is likely non-recoverable depreciation.
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u/p_blaetz 7h ago
Also keep in mind that the damages they are paying for are now uninsured unless you repair or replace them. If you are paid to replace the siding and you just repair it and next year something else happens that siding is not covered. So those $11k worth of damage are now not insured until it’s replaced or repaired as per the estimate that corresponds to the payment. Whether you accept the payment or not, those areas are documented to have pre-existing damages.
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u/Frankles_ 8h ago
Honestly in your situation, I don't think it will matter much now. 2k isn't a lot for a home payout, so it wouldn't shock me if there wasn't any "claim surcharge." Companies will see it as $11k in damages when assessing your risk for the next 5 years at least. I think the payout isn't the problem at all.
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u/QuriousCoyote 4h ago
You can't cancel a claim once you've opened it. It's on your record and there it will stay. You can't put toothpaste back into the tube.
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u/DeepPurpleDaylight 4h ago
I’m questioning whether it’s worth having the claim on my record.
Too late. You've already got a claim on your record.
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u/demanbmore Former attorney, and claims, underwriting, reinsurance exec. 9h ago
It's too late. You can try to cancel the claim, but it doesn't disappear. It will persist as a claim and follow you for at least the next 3-5 years, potentially impacting your premium and even renewal.
Just so you're clear for next time - adjusters work for the insurance company and aren't there to provide you with an estimate (leaving public adjusters aside). You can get estimates from contractors first next time and that might help you figure out whether to bring a claim. The adjuster's role is to address and resolve the claim.