Can I Claim Insurance If It Was My Fault?

? Did you cause the damage and still want to make an insurance claim?

Can I Claim Insurance If It Was My Fault?

You might feel nervous. You might feel guilty. You might think that if you caused the damage, the insurance company will never help. You can often file a claim even if you caused the damage. The answer depends on what happened and what your policy says. I will walk you through this in plain words. I will tell you what usually works and what usually does not.

A short, clear answer

You can often file a claim if you caused the damage by accident. Your homeowner’s policy may cover many accidents. Your policy will not cover damage you caused on purpose. Your policy will not cover damage from things you let get worse over time, like a slow leak that you ignored.

How a homeowner’s policy works, in one line

Your insurance protects your home from certain risks. You pay a premium. The insurer pays for covered damage after you meet your deductible.

Two main parts of most homeowner policies

You have two parts that matter here. One part covers your house and your things. The other part covers damage you cause to other people or their stuff.

• Your property coverage pays to fix your house or replace your stuff.
• Your liability coverage pays when you cause injury or damage to other people.

Use both parts when you need them. The rules differ for each part.

When your insurer will usually pay if you were at fault

If you caused damage by accident, your policy will often help. Here are simple examples.

• You left the stove on. A small fire started and damaged your kitchen. Your policy often pays for the repair.
• You washed clothes and a pipe burst. Water damaged your floor. Your policy often pays for the clean-up and repair.
• You accidentally dropped something heavy through the roof from the inside. Your policy often pays.

In these examples, you did not mean harm. You acted without intent. Your policy often covers accidental damage.

When your insurer will usually not pay

Your insurer may deny a claim if you caused damage on purpose. Your insurer may also deny a claim if you caused damage by letting things get old or broken.

• Intentional harm: If you burn your house on purpose to get money, the insurer will not pay. That is insurance fraud. You can get in big trouble.
• Poor maintenance: If you let a roof leak for years and the attic rots, the insurer may deny the claim. Insurers expect you to keep your home in good shape.
• Wear and tear: Old pipes fail. Paint peels. Insurers usually do not pay for routine aging.

Always be honest and file only real claims. Lying can lead to denial, canceled policy, and legal trouble.

Named perils vs open perils — simple idea

Policies may list what they cover. Some policies cover only listed causes. Other policies cover all causes except a short list of exclusions.

• Named perils: Your policy lists what it covers. If your cause is not on the list, you may not get paid.
• Open perils: Your policy covers many causes unless the policy says it excludes them.

Read your policy. Ask a public adjuster if you do not understand the words.

Deductible and your pocket

You pay a deductible when you file a claim. The insurer pays the rest up to your policy limit. If the repair cost is less than your deductible, it makes no sense to file. Small accidents might be cheaper to fix yourself.

Will your rates go up?

Filing a claim can make your rates go up. Insurers look at how often you file. One small claim may not change much. Many claims can raise your price or make the insurer not renew your policy. Insurers vary by company and by state.

Cancelation and nonrenewal

If you file many claims, your insurer may cancel or not renew your policy. Florida rules affect how insurers act. Insurers in Florida must follow state law. The law limits quick cancellations, but insurers can still drop high-risk homes.

Florida notes you should know

Florida has many storms. Insurers in Florida pay many hurricane and flood claims. Florida rules also affected the use of assignment of benefits (AOB) in the past. Those rules changed how contractors and insurers work together. If you live in Florida, your claim might involve hurricane rules, building code upgrades, and roof rules. Policies and insurance practices can change in Florida. Talk to a public adjuster who works in Florida.

Honesty matters — tell the truth

You must tell the truth when you file. The insurer asks questions. You must answer. If you lie, the insurer can deny the claim. If you hide facts, the insurer can deny the claim. If you admit you caused the damage, that is not a problem if the damage is covered. If you hide that you caused the damage, the insurer may refuse to help.

Steps to take after you cause damage

Follow these steps in simple order. They help your claim and they help you stay calm.

1. Make sure you are safe. If the home is not safe, leave. Call emergency services if you need to.
2. Stop the damage where you can. Turn off water, gas, or electricity if you can do it safely.
3. Call your insurer and tell them what happened. Tell them where and when it happened. Use simple words.
4. Take photos and videos of the damage. Do this before you move things.
5. Keep receipts for any repairs you pay for right away.
6. Get estimates for repair work.
7. Do not throw away damaged items until the insurer or your public adjuster tells you to.
8. Call a public adjuster if you want help.

The claims process — step by step

The claims process can feel like a long maze. Here are the usual steps in clear order.

• You report the claim to the insurer.
• The insurer opens a claim number.
• An insurer adjuster may come to inspect. The adjuster writes a report.
• The insurer may offer a settlement based on their estimate.
• You can accept or reject the offer.
• If you reject, you can negotiate. You can hire a public adjuster to help.
• You repair the damage once you and the insurer agree.

This flow repeats in big and small cases. You can ask a public adjuster to handle the paperwork and negotiation.

Company adjuster vs public adjuster — who does what

A company adjuster works for the insurance company. They help the company decide what to pay.
A public adjuster works for you. They help you get the most from your policy.

• Company adjuster: The company pays their salary. They make reports for the company.
• Public adjuster: You hire them. They inspect, document, and negotiate with the insurer. They work for you.

Public adjusters often find missed items in claims. They often secure more money for you. In Florida, public adjusters must be licensed. Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals is a licensed public adjuster in Florida. We only get paid when you get paid. We offer a free initial property inspection.

Why hire a public adjuster

A public adjuster helps you in many ways.

• They explain your policy in plain words.
• They document your damage and make a detailed claim.
• They talk to the insurer so you do not have to.
• They fight for building code upgrades, contents, and loss of use if you need that.
• They often increase the claim payout more than the cost of their fee.

Think of a public adjuster as a helper who speaks insurance language for you.

What a public adjuster will check

A public adjuster looks for things you might miss. They find items that the company adjuster may not list.

• Hidden water damage inside walls.
• Mold caused by sudden leaks (when covered).
• Roof damage that the adjuster missed.
• Contents damage and replacement value.
• Building code changes needed after a repair.

They then push the insurer to pay for these items.

Costs of a public adjuster

Public adjusters usually charge a fee based on the claim payout. The fee may depend on the size of the claim. In Florida, the fee must follow state rules. A good public adjuster will explain the fee up front. Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals tells you the fee before work starts and inspects your property for free.

Common scenarios — simple table

Use the table below to see how typical accidents often play out. This table shows simple cases and the usual result.

Scenario	Will insurance often pay?	Notes
You start a small kitchen fire by accident	Yes	Most policies cover accidental fire. You must report it.
You leave a hose running and flood the neighbor’s house	Often yes, under liability	Liability may pay for damages to others. You must tell your insurer.
A pipe bursts after a winter freeze because you did not winterize	Maybe no	If you could have prevented it, insurer may deny under maintenance exclusion.
Your roof leaks from old age and you did not fix it	No	Wear and tear and lack of maintenance are usually excluded.
You intentionally set the fire to collect money	No	Intentional acts are excluded and illegal.
A tree falls on your house in a storm because you failed to trim a dead tree	Maybe	If you ignored a known hazard, the insurer may deny. If the storm caused the fall, insurer may pay.
You accidentally puncture a pipe during home improvement	Often yes	If the damage is sudden and accidental, coverage often applies.
Mold grows from a long-term leak you ignored	No	Gradual damage and neglect are usually excluded.

Questions you should ask the insurer right away

Ask clear questions. Use simple words.

• Is this loss covered under my policy?
• What is my deductible?
• Will my rate go up if I file this claim?
• Do you want me to keep damaged items?
• When will the adjuster come?
• What documents do you need?

Record the answers. Write down names and dates.

How to document your claim — keep it simple

Good proof helps. You can make your claim stronger with these items.

• Photos and videos of the damage.
• Date and time of the event.
• Receipts for repairs or emergency work.
• A list of damaged items.
• A brief note you write about what you were doing when the damage happened.

Give these to the insurer or your public adjuster.

When to call a public adjuster

Call a public adjuster when the claim is large or when the insurer’s offer feels low. Call one if you do not like the company adjuster’s report. Call one if you need help documenting hidden damage. Call Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals for a free inspection in Florida.

Insurance fraud — simple warning

Do not make a false claim. Do not hide facts. Do not exaggerate. Insurance fraud is a crime. You can lose your home and face fines or jail. Tell the truth. If you made a mistake, say so. If the damage was accidental, the insurer can still help.

Hurricanes and Florida risks

Florida has many storms. Hurricanes cause big damage. If the storm caused your damage, file the claim fast. Take photos right after the storm if it is safe. Give your public adjuster access to your home. They will document all storm damage and report it to the insurer.

Building code upgrades in Florida

After a big loss, local building codes may require new work. Older homes may need new materials or methods. The insurer may pay for some code upgrades if your policy includes building code coverage. Ask your public adjuster to include these costs. Otero knows Florida code issues and will help you claim them.

Roof claims in Florida

Roofs are a frequent cause of homeowner claims in Florida. Insurers look closely at roof condition. If your roof is old, the insurer may pay only a portion or deny. If wind or hail damaged a sound roof, you can often claim. Keep roof records and repair receipts.

Mold and water damage in Florida

Mold often follows water damage. If the water damage is sudden and covered, mold cleanup may be covered. If the mold grew from a long leak you ignored, the insurer will likely deny that part. Document everything and get help quickly.

Contents coverage

Your policy covers your stuff. You must show what you lost. You can list items by name, date of purchase, and price. Keep receipts if you can. If you do not have receipts, give a good description and estimated value. A public adjuster can help value your items.

Loss of use coverage

If your home is not safe to live in, loss of use coverage can pay your living costs while you repair. Keep all receipts for hotel, food, and other costs. Show them to the insurer or your public adjuster.

Repairs before settlement — proceed carefully

You can do emergency repairs to stop more damage. Keep all bills and take photos. Do not make permanent repairs before you and the insurer agree if the insurer wants to inspect first. Talk to your public adjuster first, if possible.

Negotiating a claim — simple tips

• Be calm and clear. Say what happened in simple words.
• Show your photos and receipts.
• Ask for the reasons for any denial in writing.
• If you disagree, hire a public adjuster to argue for you.

Public adjusters know what to ask for. They speak the insurer’s language. They can get more money for you.

What if the insurer denies your claim?

If your insurer denies your claim, ask for the reason in writing. You can file an appeal. A public adjuster can help. If the denial is unfair, you may go to mediation or court. That takes time and money. Many people prefer to negotiate first.

Examples of real claims you might understand

I once visited a kitchen fire claim. The owner fell asleep near the stove. The grease caught fire. The insurer accepted the claim. The owner paid the deductible. The public adjuster found more damage under the floor. The owner got more money.

A second claim involved a long leak behind a bathroom wall. The owner knew water dripped for months but did not fix it. The insurer denied the claim for mold and structural damage. The insurer paid only for the recent sudden pipe break.

These stories show the difference between sudden accidents and long neglect.

Why the insurer asks so many questions

The insurer wants to know what caused the damage. They check if the cause is covered. They also check if you took care of your home. Their job is to pay valid claims only. Your job is to prove the claim is valid.

Tips to avoid future problems

• Fix leaks fast.
• Keep records of repairs and upgrades.
• Trim dead trees before they fall.
• Insulate pipes in cold weather if your home can freeze.
• Replace old roof materials when needed.

Good care can prevent denials for neglect. It also lowers risk and may keep premiums lower.

My job as a public adjuster and how I help you

I inspect damage for you. I write a claim that shows all losses. I talk to the insurance company for you. I help you get fair money to repair your home. I know Florida rules. I know what insurers often miss. I will explain the policy in plain words. I will show you your options. Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals offers a free initial inspection and works on your behalf. We only get paid when you get paid.

How Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals helps in Florida

Otero helps homeowners across Florida. We handle hurricane damage, water loss, mold, roof leaks, and kitchen fires. We speak with insurers so you do not have to. We inspect your home for free. We do the hard work. We aim to secure the money you need to repair your home.

Contact Otero at:
3105 W Michigan Ave, Pensacola, FL 32526
(850) 285-0405
https://oteroadjusting.com/

Simple checklist before you call your insurer

• Take photos and videos of the damage.
• Make a short list of damaged items.
• Keep emergency repair receipts.
• Note the time and place of the event.
• Call a public adjuster if the loss is large or complex.

This simple list helps your claim go faster.

Frequently asked questions, in plain words

Will my insurance pay if I accidentally start a fire?

Often yes. Most homeowner policies cover accidental fires. You must report the claim. You must show the damage and let the insurer inspect.

Will my insurance pay if I sleep with a candle lit and it burns my couch?

Often yes, if the fire was accidental. If you do not act in a reckless way, coverage usually applies. If the insurer thinks you acted with extreme carelessness, they may review closely.

Will my insurance pay if a contractor accidently breaks a pipe and floods my home?

Yes, your property coverage often pays for sudden accidental water damage. The contractor’s insurance may also help. Keep receipts for any emergency repairs.

Will my claim be denied if I did not fix a small leak for months?

Possibly. Long-term damage from neglect is often excluded. The insurer may pay for the sudden part but not the long-term damage.

Should I hire a public adjuster for a small claim?

Small claims under your deductible are usually best paid by you. If the claim is over the deductible and you feel uncertain about the offer, a public adjuster can help. For large or complex claims, hiring a public adjuster often pays off.

What happens if I commit insurance fraud?

You can face denial, canceled policy, fines, and criminal charges. Do not make false claims or hide facts.

Final advice you can follow today

If you caused damage, do not panic. Do the safe things first. Take photos. Call your insurer. Save receipts. If the claim seems complex or the insurer’s offer seems low, call a public adjuster. If you live in Florida, call Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals. We inspect for free. We help you claim what you deserve. We only get paid if you get paid.

Contact Otero at:
3105 W Michigan Ave, Pensacola, FL 32526
(850) 285-0405
https://oteroadjusting.com/

You do not need to fix everything alone. You can get help. A public adjuster speaks for you. A public adjuster can find things the insurer misses. You can ask for what your policy allows. If you caused the damage, you still might have coverage. Ask questions. Keep it simple. Tell the truth. Get help when you need it.