Cashed the Check, Then Found More Damage. Is It Possible To Re-Open An Insurance Claim?

It’s been a little over a year since Hurricane Helene tore through Georgia and the Carolinas, wreaking an estimated $64.2 BILLION in damages.  Damage ranged from high winds, downed trees, inland flooding, mudslides, and infrastructural damage to roads and utilities.

With such a wide range of causes, some homeowners uncovered additional hurricane-related hidden damage after their claim was closed that wasn’t previously included.
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In cases like this, is it possible for homeowners to re-open the original claim after they’ve already received and cashed a check for those damages and request to receive additional compensation for those damages?

It IS possible, although insurers will likely be reluctant to do so.  Following are elements that may justify re-opening the original claim:

1. New evidence of damage, not uncovered originally
2. Connection of that damage to the cause of the original claim
3. Inadequate assessment of damage by the adjuster
4. Unsigned “Release of all claims” form
5. Evidence of bad faith insurance practices

To have the best chance that the insurer will re-open the claim, take the following steps:

• Gather all the evidence you can - photos, videos, adjustor information, expert opinions, updated invoices, etc. before you approach the insurer.
• Consider guidance from a public insurance adjustor in how to best approach the insurer.
• When approaching the insurer, keep notes of names, dates, and content of communications.
• Be pleasant, level-headed, and remain firm in your request to re-open the claim, based on the new evidence.
• If the insurer denies your request and you feel sure the damage was directly related to the original damage, consider:  1)filing a complaint with the state insurance commission, and 2) consulting with an attorney experienced in dealing with bad faith insurance practices.

One very important detail – understand that any request to re-open a claim must be done in a timely manner.  State regulations and insurance policies themselves may dictate a timeline in which this process must be completed.

One of the most common mistakes homeowners make when filing a claim or requesting to re-open one is not understanding exactly what their policies cover (and exclude).  Periodic review with your insurance agent will keep you abreast of the protection details of your financial assets.

​Is it past time to review your homeowner’s insurance policy?  I’ll be glad to help – contact me today at:  706-726-1446.