When disaster strikes—whether it’s a burst pipe, a storm that damages your roof, or a fire that devastates your property—it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. But while it might seem tempting to take a little time to gather your thoughts and decide how to proceed, delaying your insurance claim in Michigan can have serious consequences. If you’re wondering why you shouldn’t wait to file your claim, this blog will outline the risks associated with delay and explain how getting a claim in sooner rather than later can save you time, money, and stress.
1. Understanding the Time Limits: Statute of Limitations in Michigan
One of the most critical reasons to file your insurance claim promptly is Michigan’s statute of limitations. In Michigan, property damage claims generally need to be filed within one to two years from the date of the loss, depending on the nature of the damage and your specific policy. If you miss this deadline, your insurer can legally deny your claim, leaving you responsible for repairs or replacements out of pocket.
Additionally, even if you file within the deadline, the longer you wait to start the process, the harder it can be to accurately assess the damage. Contacting ACS immediately is the right decision for your claim to ensure everything is handled correctly.

2. The Risk of Deterioration Over Time
One of the most significant risks of waiting too long to file your insurance claim is that damages can worsen. Water damage, for example, can lead to mold growth and structural weakening, while storm-damaged roofs can deteriorate further under prolonged exposure to the elements. The longer you wait, the more extensive and expensive the repairs could become.
Insurance policies typically only cover the damage that occurs during the covered event. Ongoing damage that results from delayed action may not be covered, and you may find yourself paying out of pocket for repairs that could have been handled by your insurer had you acted sooner.
3. Insurance Companies Are More Likely to Question Delayed Claims
Insurance companies have their own set of timelines and procedures when it comes to processing claims. The longer you wait to file, the more likely it is that your insurer will question whether the damage is truly related to the covered event.
Insurance companies will typically require detailed documentation, including photos of the damage, repair estimates, and sometimes, even the history of the property itself. The further in time you get from the date of the incident, the harder it becomes to provide accurate documentation, and insurers may challenge your claim based on delays in reporting.
Additionally, delayed reporting can raise suspicion about the validity of the claim, which could lead to a longer, more difficult claims process. Insurers are less inclined to trust claims that come in long after the event, especially when there is no immediate evidence of the damage.
4. Your Insurance Premiums Could Increase
Delaying a claim also has the potential to affect your future insurance premiums. Insurers typically offer lower premiums to customers who file claims promptly and maintain a track record of responsible claims behavior. Waiting to file could signal to your insurer that you’re not managing risk effectively, which might result in higher premiums when you renew your policy.
Moreover, waiting to file may also give your insurer grounds to deny your claim or offer a significantly lower payout, which could leave you having to cover the difference yourself and potentially forcing you into a situation where you need more coverage.
5. Missed Opportunity to Protect Your Property
While you’re waiting to file your claim, your property could be exposed to further damage. In the case of a fire or storm, you’ll want to make temporary repairs to mitigate additional damage (such as boarding up windows or tarping a leaky roof). However, if you delay the claims process, it’s possible that these temporary measures could go unrecorded, making it harder to prove the full extent of your damage to your insurer.
In some cases, insurance policies require policyholders to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage. Delaying your claim could result in the insurer finding that you failed to take the necessary precautions, potentially leading to a lower settlement.
6. The Stress and Complexity of Delayed Claims
The insurance claims process can be confusing enough, even when you’re working within the expected time frame. However, when you delay your claim, the complexity only increases. Here’s why:
Loss of Documents: The longer you wait, the more difficult it can be to collect receipts, photos, and documentation of the damage.
Decreased Evidence Quality: Over time, evidence of the loss can degrade or be lost entirely, making it harder to prove the cause of the damage.
Increased Emotional Stress: You’re likely already dealing with the emotional impact of the damage. Adding the stress of a delayed, complicated claims process can overwhelm you and prolong the recovery period.
7. How a Public Adjuster Can Help You Expedite Your Claim
When you hire a public adjuster in Michigan, you can avoid many of the complications that come with delaying a claim. Public adjusters are licensed professionals who advocate for you, the policyholder, and help navigate the entire claims process, ensuring that everything is filed correctly and promptly.
Here’s how a public adjuster can make a difference:
Timely Documentation: A public adjuster will help you quickly document damage, which reduces the risk of deterioration and ensures accurate reporting.
Efficient Communication with Your Insurer: They handle all communication with your insurance company, keeping your claim on track and ensuring deadlines are met.
Maximized Settlement: With a public adjuster’s expertise, you’re far more likely to receive a fair and complete settlement, even if you file later in the process.
Don't leave money that you're owed on the table. ACS will fight to maximize your claim!
8. The Bottom Line: Acting Fast Saves Time and Money
While the aftermath of property damage is never easy, the sooner you file your claim, the better. Delaying your claim in Michigan can lead to serious consequences, from diminished coverage to higher costs. Whether you're dealing with storm damage, water damage, fire, or theft, time is of the essence.
By acting quickly, maintaining proper documentation, and seeking professional help from a public adjuster, you increase your chances of receiving a fair and timely settlement. Don’t wait—take action now to protect your property and ensure your claim is handled with the care it deserves.
If you need assistance filing your insurance claim in Michigan, reach out to our team by calling 855-ACS-2-WIN or fill out of claim review form today. The sooner you get started, the better equipped you'll be to recover and rebuild.
Comments