Selling a home with a pending homeowner’s insurance claim can be a tricky situation. It’s important to understand how the sale of your home may affect your insurance claim and what options you have to ensure that you receive compensation for any damages.
Option 1: Make Repairs Before Selling
If you choose to make repairs before selling your home, your insurance claim will change to reflect the amount of money you spent out of pocket. This means that if you spend $10,000 on repairs, your insurance claim will be for $10,000 instead of the full amount of the damage.
Option 2: Lower Sell Price because of needed Repairs
Another option is selling your home without making repairs BUT include language in the Sale Agreement that specifically states you reduced the sale price by $X for the needed "windstorm/pipe leak/mold/fire repairs. This allows you to continue your insurance claim for the money or value you lost in the sale. Be sure to discuss this option with your QT&T Homeowner Insurance Attorney to ensure that the agreement is properly drafted. We are more than happy to speak with your Realtor and prospective Buyer about the situation.
Option 3: Sell Without Repairs and No Written Agreement
If you sell your home without making repairs and without any agreement in the sale contract regarding the roof damage, your insurance claim will be considered dead. This means that you will not be able to receive any compensation for the damages.
Swift Settlement for Partial Claim Value
If you choose to make repairs before selling or to lower the sale price in consideration for needed repairs, it’s recommended that you authorize your insurance company to settle your claim swiftly for whatever amount they are willing to offer. This amount may not be the full value of the claim, but it’s better than receiving nothing at all. This way, you can get some compensation for the work you’ve done and minimize the impact on your sale.
Selling your home with a pending insurance claim can be a complicated process. It’s important to understand your options and discuss them with your QT&T Homeowners Insurance Attorney and insurance company to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.