Here’s a step by step guide to the average insurance claim:
Step 1) You experience a loss. Fire, flood, and storm damage are all common causes for home insurance claims.
Step 2) Take photos and document everything. The more evidence you have of the loss, the better.
Step 3) Secure the scene. Put a tarp over the hole in your ceiling, for example, or turn off your water.
Step 4) Once you decide if filing a claim is in your best interest, contact your insurer and start a claim. You can typically start a claim by contacting your insurer over the phone, website, or mobile app.
Step 5) Read your insurance policy. Now is a great time to understand your policy and any potential restrictions. Be sure to check your duties after a loss and any endorsements relevant to your cause of damage.
Step 6) Start filing paperwork. Your insurance company will request proof of loss forms and similar documents.
Step 7) Consider requesting your own estimate. Talk to a local contractor or restoration specialist. Ask them how much they think it would cost to make your property whole again. Note: A Contractor should not “handle or “negotiate” your insurance claim.
Step 8) Wait for the insurer’s adjuster to evaluate the claim. An insurance company adjuster will arrive at your location and assess the damages to determine if your policy covers the event.
Step 9) Wait for the insurance company to present an offer or deny your claim. The company could send you a settlement offer or a denial letter to deny your claim.
Step 10) Negotiations and disputes. Some insurance companies deny your claim for no good reason. They may be said to be operating in bad faith. You can dispute an insurance company’s offer and push for a higher payout. In some cases this may lead to handling a dispute with the appraisal clause, arbitration or mediation.
Step 11) Receive payment. Your insurance company sends over payment to cover all damages, minus your deductible.
A good public adjuster can guide you through all of these steps while maximizing insurance payout. With or without a public adjuster, however, you can expect your home insurance claim to proceed similar to the steps above.
