After your home has been damaged, you will need to file property damage insurance claims. Having the proper knowledge ahead of time can help to ensure you take the proper steps from the beginning to minimize the potential of the delay or possible denial of your claim.
At Ascension General Contractors, we want to share some of the essential details about property damage insurance claims so you can go through the process confidently, knowing you have the information you need to get a settlement.
What Happens When I File Property Damage Insurance Claims?
When your insurance company receives your claim, they will send out an adjuster to assess the extent of the property damage. They will be responsible for helping you get the money needed to make repairs or reimbursed for a total loss. There are a few ways you can prepare for an insurance adjuster to arrive to help make the inspection smoother and ensure a fair settlement.
- Take pictures of the damage
Having pictures of any damage is essential in case items are moved before your insurance adjuster has a chance to look at your property. Failure to have images could result in a lower settlement.
- Don’t move anything or clean your property
Be sure not to throw any damaged items out or clean your property until your insurance adjuster has completed an inspection.
- Gather any documentation you have on your home inventory
Having paperwork showing your home inventory can help speed up your claim. Your paperwork should include the make and model numbers of your possessions, purchase dates, and price.
- Complete a proof of loss form in advance
Most insurers have home inventory forms you can complete before your insurance adjuster makes their inspection which can help speed up the claims process.
What Causes Claims to be Delayed?
When you’ve experienced damage to your property, it is reasonable to want to settle your claim and receive your payout as soon as possible. However, claims delays happen for several reasons, and most commonly, it has to do with mistakes made in the actual filing and documentation when you don’t understand your policy’s provisions. Be sure to stay organized and clarify what exactly your insurance company needs from you to make your claim process faster. Having the contact information of whoever is in charge of your claim at your insurance company can also benefit you when you have any questions or concerns.
Are you recovering from a disaster to your property? Contact us here at Ascension General Contractors! We are full-service repair specialists and proud to serve the Nashville community as general contractors.