Mitigation – What you can do to mitigate your damages

The law requires that you mitigate damages if you are filing a claim, and will penalize your claim if you fail to mitigate. Your insurance policy will also require you to take steps to protect your property after a loss.

While insurance policies have similar language on mitigation of damages, the interpretation of the policy, and the law on mitigation of damages generally, vary from state to state. Specific guidance for your circumstances, and your state, can not be addressed on this web page. Please consult an attorney and/or other professionals for individual advice tailored to your own situation. Read more about that.

• Putting out the fire
• Removing wet carpet and pad, in the event of a flood or fire (save carpet and pad samples)
• Removing drywall and insulation, and drying out the house after a flood
• Drying and protecting clothing or furniture
• Covering windows or tarping a roof damaged by a storm
• Repairing points of entry damaged by a burglar, to prevent further, unauthorized entry
• Reopening your business
• Protecting your stock and inventory
• Getting medical care if you are injured

Depending on your insurance policy, some of your mitigation expenses may be covered. Seek competent advice from an insurance loss professional.

Another way to approach the thought of mitigation:

• What would you do to minimize your own damages if you did not have insurance, and you have no claim against another person?

If your property is damaged, your insurance agent, your adjuster or other loss professional may recommend that you hire specialty mitigation companies. These companies remove wet carpet, clean smoke damage, tarp your roof, and more. The costs may be covered by your insurance company -- read your policy, and speak with your adjuster, your insurance agent or other loss professional.