Dealing with an insurance claim after damage to your Destin home can be frustrating.
You may have expected your insurance company to cover the repairs, only to receive a denial, a smaller payment than expected, or a claim that seems to be taking too long.
Meanwhile, the roof still needs attention, water damage may be getting worse, and you may be wondering what to do with the property.
The good news is that an insurance claim problem does not automatically mean you are stuck with the house.
Why Insurance Claims Can Be Complicated
Insurance claims can involve inspections, adjuster reports, contractor estimates, deductibles, policy limits, and exclusions. In a coastal community like Destin, homeowners may also be dealing with damage from hurricanes, tropical storms, wind, or water.
Coverage depends on your specific policy, so it’s important to understand what your insurance company will and will not cover.
Sometimes, the insurance payment simply isn’t enough to cover everything that needs to be repaired. Other times, the claim may be denied or take longer than expected to resolve.
When that happens, you may want to consider your other options.
Start by Understanding Your Claim
Before making a decision about the property, find out where your insurance claim stands.
Has an adjuster inspected the home? Was the claim approved, partially approved, or denied? How much is the insurance company offering? And how much will the repairs actually cost?
Document the damage with photos and videos, and keep receipts for temporary repairs and other expenses related to the loss.
If you disagree with your insurance company’s decision or need help understanding your rights, consider speaking with a qualified insurance professional or attorney.
Is Repairing the Home Worth It?
Once you know what your insurance is willing to cover, compare that amount with the actual cost of repairing the property.
You may have to pay a deductible and other expenses out of pocket. You should also consider how long the repairs will take and whether you have the time and energy to manage the project.
In some cases, repairing the property makes perfect sense.
In others, you may decide that putting more money into the home simply isn’t worth it.
Consider Selling the Home As-Is
If you don’t want to deal with contractors, repairs, inspections, and a lengthy listing process, selling your home as-is may be another option.
Cash buyers may purchase homes with storm damage, roof problems, water damage, or other issues.
Instead of making the property move-in ready, you can sell it in its current condition and avoid taking on repairs that you don’t want to manage.
An open insurance claim does not automatically prevent you from selling your home. However, the details matter. Your insurance company, title company, and mortgage company may need to be involved in determining how any insurance proceeds are handled.
Don’t Forget About the Cost of Waiting
A damaged home can become more expensive the longer it sits.
You may still have a mortgage, property taxes, insurance, utilities, and maintenance expenses. If the home is vacant or unlivable, you may also have additional costs to consider.
For some homeowners, waiting months for repairs or an insurance claim to be resolved may not be the best option.
How JNL Solutions Can Help
At JNL Solutions, we understand that dealing with a damaged property can be overwhelming.
If your Destin home has storm damage, water damage, roof problems, or other issues related to an insurance claim, we can evaluate the property in its current condition and make you a fair cash offer.
You don’t have to make the home perfect before contacting us.
You can explore your options, avoid making unnecessary repairs, and decide whether an as-is sale makes sense for you.
There are no commissions, no hidden fees, and no obligation to accept our offer.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
If you’re dealing with an insurance claim and aren’t sure what to do with your Destin home, start by understanding your claim, estimating your repair costs, and comparing your options.
Repairing the home and selling it traditionally may be the right choice. But if you don’t want to deal with the repairs and delays, an as-is cash sale could be worth considering.
Call JNL Solutions at 850-696-7981 to discuss your situation and see what options may be available for your property.