Filing a homeowner’s insurance claim after a burglary or a natural disaster is a potentially stressful situation, but it does not have to be. By following a few simple steps, you will be able to file a homeowner’s claim without needless hassle.

Reviewing your coverage ahead of time will help make filing a claim less complicated.
Understand your policy and make sure that you are covered in all the areas where you need protection. Although you can’t prevent disaster, you can know how to handle it in advance.

6 Steps to Filing a Homeowner’s Insurance Claim

1. Contact the Police (in the case of burglary, theft, or vandalism)

If you have been the victim of theft, burglary, or vandalism, you must report the incident to police before contacting your insurance company. Be sure and write down any information that the police give you, including the name of the officer and the report number.

2. Contact Your Agent or Company

Whether you are filing a claim involving a crime, natural disaster, or any other incident, you must call your agent or company immediately. This is vital because there may be a time limit on reporting the incident.

Don’t forget to ask any questions that you may have, including questions about your coverage, your deductible, and the length of time it will take to process claim.

3. Make Temporary Repairs

Only make temporary repairs that will prevent future damage to your house and insure your safety. Do not make any permanent repairs before you know what your policy will and will not cover, and have discussed the repairs with your agent.

Some companies will advance you the money you need to make temporary repairs, while others will ask you to pay and then reimburse you. Make sure to save the receipts from the temporary repairs.

4. Make a List of Damages and Losses

Write down any damages or losses caused by the incident. Do not throw any damaged items away.

You will want to take pictures or make videos of the damages for your records.

5. Complete Paper Work

Insurance companies are required to send the claim forms quickly, but you must complete them and send them back promptly in order to receive your settlement within a reasonable amount of time.

6. Meet With an Adjuster

An adjuster will be sent to inspect your home by the insurance company. Some companies send an adjuster before you receive your paperwork, while others require you to complete and return the forms before an adjuster’s inspection.

You will want to prepare for the adjuster’s visit. Write down the cost, model, description, and serial numbers of damaged items and give him, or her, a copy of the photos or video of the damaged items.

Will My Rate Go Up?

Most of the time rates do not increase after one claim. If the claim involves a natural disaster, your rates rarely increase. Your rates may go up after filing two claims that do not involve acts of nature.

More serious than rate increases is the possibility that the company may not renew your coverage. Therefore, it is wise to consider raising your deductible to the highest level that you can afford to self-insure. Not reporting small claims can keep your record clean with the carrier.

Incidences That Your Company May or May Not Cover:

• If you need to stay somewhere else while repairs are being made to your home, keep all receipts. Most insurance companies will reimburse you for your expenses. But remember, this only applies in the case of severe damage to your home.
• If your car was damaged in the incident, it may be covered under your homeowners policy. Ask your agent or company when in doubt.
• Most companies will pay for the removal of any trees that have fallen onto your house, but most companies do not cover trees that have not hit the house.
• Most companies do not include flood damage within their homeowner’s coverage. Check your policy. If you are not covered for floods you may want to look into extra flood coverage.
• If the design of the item you are replacing has changed or the cost has increased, the company may not cover the extra expenses.

Tips:

• Having a contractor evaluate the damages to your home first will make filing a claim easier and faster.
• If you are not happy with the insurance company’s handling of a claim, first talk to your insurance company. If you do not come to an agreement, call an attorney or the National Insurance Consumer Helpline.
  
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