Disclaimer: This article reflects our experience managing hundreds of Minnesota property claims and is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal or claims advice. Every claim is unique and requires individual evaluation.
Do you know what deadlines are in your policy?
As a licensed public adjuster reviewing hundreds of Minnesota property claims, I see it all too often: property owners losing thousands of dollars simply because they didn't know about critical policy deadlines. While deadlines come in many timeframes, often in terms of years, 180 days is one of the shortest you'll see for common types of claim deadlines. Let's talk about the three most expensive 180-day deadlines you need to know about.
The Reporting Deadline That (Might) Kill Your Hail Claim
Here's something that might surprise you: many policies now require you to report hail and wind damage within 180 days of the loss. We see this mostly in Homeowners policies, but sometimes in Commercial property policies as well.
Miss this window, and you might lose your right to coverage entirely. There may be exceptions to this, and often times we can help.
The Recoverable Depreciation Clock
Think all policies give you plenty of time to complete repairs? Think again. Your policy might require completion within:
180 days from the date of loss
180 days from your first payment
180 days from your last payment
180 days from your last dwelling payment (Homeowners)
180 days from the last claim payment
There is no "standard policy", even though the state may have some minimum coverage requirements or language. Property policy products are unique not only to each policyholder, but standard language and timelines differs across carriers.
The "Intent to Repair" Notice
This is my personal favorite (and by favorite, I mean the one that keeps me up at night). Some policies require you to declare your repair intentions within 180 days. Sounds simple, right? Yet very few people read their policies, and people often skim over claim letters, so they may miss it.
I see this in some commercial and townhome HOA master policies, and often in homeowners policies.
Why This Matters Now
Every week, Minnesota property owners contact us after discovering they've missed these deadlines and others. While we've had success overturning many policy-based deadline denials, here's the harsh reality: once your claim passes a specific deadline called a statutory deadline, even we can't help. Not even an attorney can help you once your claim is past a statutory deadline, which is outside of a policy.
What You Can Do Today
Review your policy (Yes, the whole thing!)
Inspect your property after every severe weather event
Document any damage you find
Don't wait to get professional help
The Good News
Parker Public Adjusting specializes in helping Minnesota property owners navigate these complex deadlines and claim requirements. Whether you're facing a new claim or worried about existing damage, we ensure your rights and deadlines are protected.
Want to protect your property from costly deadline surprises? Contact us for a complimentary claim review. Let's talk before time runs out.
