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Imagine coming home after a long day at work, only to find chaos: a burst pipe, a fire, or something that has left your house in ruins. At first, you feel relief knowing you have home insurance. But when you contact your insurer, what should have been a relief turns into a nightmare. Suddenly you’re dealing with:

Confusing policies, endless paperwork, and insurers who give excuses, delay payments, or try to pay the bare minimum — or nothing at all.

In this article, we’ll be clear and honest. We’ll explain why claiming home losses is so complicated, and how to face it with strength without losing your mind.

What Exactly Does My Policy Say?

One of the biggest problems when making a claim is understanding the policy. It’s written in legal jargon full of terms like “contents,” “buildings,” and “exclusions.”

Here’s a simple way to understand it:

Contents: Your stuff — what you could pack in a box if you moved. Clothes, furniture, appliances.

Buildings (Structure): The house itself — walls, floors, ceilings, pipes, windows, and fixed installations like the kitchen units or extractor fan.

Quick tip: If you flip the house upside down, what falls is contents. What stays attached is buildings.

But… How Much Are My Things Worth?

Here’s where it gets tricky. After a disaster, how do you prove what your belongings are worth? Who keeps receipts for jeans bought three years ago? Or the TV your aunt gave you for Christmas?

Insurers send an adjuster to assess the loss. But their valuation can feel rushed — and not always fair.

If you don’t have receipts or proof, the insurer might reduce the value of your belongings, saying they were old or depreciated. Meaning you lose even more than you already lost.

The Emotional Toll of Claiming

It’s not just about money. Losing things at home hurts emotionally. Maybe that ruined couch held family memories, or that bed was where your kids used to jump. Claiming from your insurer can feel like reliving the loss again and again — especially when the process gets complicated.

And let’s be honest: insurers aren’t always empathetic. Instead of supporting you, they often look for ways to reduce or deny your payout.

How to Claim Without Losing Your Mind

Not everything is lost. Here are a few tips to make the process easier:

1. Know Your Policy Before Anything Happens Yes, reading a policy is boring, but it’s crucial. Understand what’s covered, what’s excluded, and what “contents” vs. “buildings” means. If it’s too technical, ask someone to explain it to you.

2. Make an Inventory of Your Belongings It may sound tedious, but having a list with photos can save you a headache. Document your valuable items and keep receipts where possible. Even a simple photo can help as proof.

3. Get Professional Help If the process becomes overwhelming (and it often does), get help. Professionals like MataSeguros can review your case, handle the paperwork, and present everything properly so you don’t lose money.

4. Be Persistent, But Polite Insurers aren’t always cooperative, but you have the right to be heard. Keep asking questions, demand clear explanations, and don’t sign anything until you’re sure it’s fair.

The Adjuster’s Trick: A 10-Minute Visit

When the insurer’s adjuster visits, they often make a quick inspection. But how much can they really assess in 10 minutes?

For example, they might miss:

Shoes ruined by water

A laptop that no longer turns on

Wedding gifts you never had receipts for

This results in a lower valuation and an insufficient payout.

Claiming What’s Yours

Here’s the truth: don’t let insurers walk over you. They’re supposed to help you, not make things worse. Claiming what’s fair is not a favor — it’s your right.

No receipts? Adjuster too quick? Don’t worry — at MataSeguros we know how to handle these situations. We can help you prove the value of your belongings, even without physical receipts.

The Financial and Emotional Impact: You Are Not Alone

Claiming after a home loss isn’t just about money — it affects your emotions too. Seeing your home damaged and having to fight for fair compensation can be exhausting. But you don’t have to do it alone.

At MataSeguros, we specialize in turning problems into solutions:

We analyze your policy to know what you can claim.

We help document your belongings.

We negotiate directly with the insurer for you.

And the best part? We only get paid if you win.

Need Help?

You don’t have to go through this alone. At MataSeguros, we understand how frustrating this process can be — and we make it easier. Contact us today and let us fight for what’s yours.