Damage to your home from fire or water from flooding will mean you may need to file a claim with your insurance company. A claim against your homeowner’s policy comes with rules and procedures that must be followed by both yourself and your insurer. Today we would like to share some tips on making an insurance claim on your home:
Read (And Know) Your Policy
- Make sure you know exactly what your responsibilities are and how to fulfill them.
Ask Questions
- Ask your insurance company any questions that you are concerned about: Am I covered? How long do I have to file a claim? Is it possible that my claim will exceed my deductible? Keep in mind that if your loss is lower than your deductible, you probably won’t want to go through the claims filing process, since this could affect your premium. How long will it take to process my claim? Do I need to obtain estimates for repairs to structural damage? Keep in mind that Ascension General Contractors is here to help!
Claim Forms
- Your insurance company will send you the necessary claim forms if you decide to submit a claim, and the law requires that these must be sent to you within a specified time period. Make sure that the forms are returned and properly filled out as soon as possible so that there are no delays.
Inspection By An Adjuster
- Your insurance company will probably arrange for an adjuster to come and inspect your home. An adjuster is a representative of your insurance company whose responsibility it is to inspect property damage and determine how much the insurance company should pay for the loss. You should expect to be interviewed by the adjuster.
Be Prepared
- Be prepared to show the adjuster any structural damage and have a list of damaged items ready so you can make the best use of their time.
Document Repairs
- Photograph or videotape all damage, and then take reasonable steps to protect your property from further damage. If possible, avoid throwing out damaged items until the adjuster has visited your home. Save receipts for what you spend, as you may be able to submit them to your insurance company for reimbursement later.
Lost or Damaged Articles
- You are going to have to substantiate your loss, so make a list of destroyed or damaged items, and make sure there is a copy of the list for your adjuster as well as copies of all receipts for replacement items.
Relocation
- If your home is so damaged that you need to find other accommodations while repairs are being made, keep receipts and records of all the additional expenses you incur. Most homeowners’ insurance policies provide coverage for additional living expenses when a move is necessary, but you’ll need to provide proof of the costs.
When it comes to a disaster in your home, Ascension General Contractors is here to help. We are a full-service repair company, and experts when it comes to renovations for homes that have experienced damage from fire or water.