Can You Get Compensation for Pre-Existing Damages?

If you've recently suffered property damage, you may be wondering if you can receive compensation for pre-existing damages. After all, how can you be sure that your insurance company is not only covering the damages caused by the most recent incident, but also the damages that were already present before the incident occurred? Thankfully, the answer is yes - in many cases, you can receive compensation for pre-existing damages. In this blog post, we'll discuss what pre-existing damages are, how they can impact your claim, and what steps you can take to ensure you receive proper compensation.

To begin with, let's define what pre-existing damages are. Pre-existing damages are damages that were already present on your property before the incident in question occurred. For example, if your roof was already leaking before a hurricane damaged it further, that leak would be considered a pre-existing damage. Pre-existing damages can be caused by a variety of factors, such as wear and tear, previous incidents, or poor maintenance.

When it comes to filing a claim for property damage, pre-existing damages can be a tricky issue. Insurance companies will often try to minimize the amount they have to pay out by arguing that some or all of the damages were pre-existing. They may use a variety of tactics to do this, such as claiming that the damages were the result of poor maintenance, or that the damage was already there before the incident occurred. It's important to remember that insurance companies are for-profit businesses, and they will often try to avoid paying out as much as possible.

However, there are steps you can take to ensure you receive proper compensation for pre-existing damages. First, document the damages as thoroughly as possible before the incident occurs. Take photos and notes of any damages that are already present on the property. This will provide clear evidence that the damages were pre-existing, rather than caused by the most recent incident.

Next, work with a trusted and experienced property damage attorney to ensure that you receive fair compensation. Your attorney can help you navigate the claims process and negotiate with the insurance company to ensure that you receive proper compensation. In many cases, your attorney can also help you document the pre-existing damages, argue your case, and fight for your rights.

Finally, it's important to be aware that many insurance policies have specific exclusions for pre-existing damages. This means that your insurance company may not cover certain types of pre-existing damages, or they may have a limit on the amount they will pay out for these damages. It's important to review your insurance policy and understand these exclusions before filing a claim, so you have a clear idea of what you can expect in terms of compensation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you have pre-existing damages on your property and suffer additional damage from an incident, you can often receive proper compensation for these damages. By documenting the damages ahead of time, working with an experienced property damage attorney, and understanding your insurance policy, you can ensure that you receive fair compensation from your insurance company. If you are seeking property claims in Orlando, Florida, Ultra Property Damage is here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation and to learn more about how we can assist you during the claims process.