The purpose of homeowner’s insurance is to ensure that property owners have the money they need to rebuild after major disasters. Given these universally stressful circumstances, it should come as no surprise that many homeowners feel overwhelmed at the prospect of filing Insurance Claims. They can follow the tips below to make sure that everything goes smoothly.
Timely Action
File the insurance claim as soon as possible after an incident occurs. If the insurer asks for any additional information, be prompt in responding and, if the request is unreasonable, let the insurer know in writing immediately.
Document Everything
Document every communication with the insurance agent. Include relevant information like the claim number, the date and time of all events, and what each conversation was about. Keeping notes provides a paper trail and allows homeowners to keep track of the process.
Be Polite
Filing Insurance Claims can be stressful, but policyholders should remember that their insurance agents are trying to help them. They should be polite and avoid venting any frustrations on their insurance agents. Avoid saying or writing anything that might appear uncooperative.
Create an Inventory
Make a list of all property covered by the insurance policy. If a property is completely destroyed in the disaster, look for photos in family photo albums that show the extent of the damage. These may come in handy later if the insurance agent asks for them.
Obtain Repair Estimates
Find trusted local contractors to provide repair estimates. If property owners need to make emergency repairs or get temporary housing, they should keep track of these expenses. Emergency housing and repairs are sometimes reimbursed as additional living expenses.
Keep Track of Time
Homeowners can sometimes negotiate with their insurance companies to be paid for the time they’ve spent collecting documentation, getting quotes, and filing claims. If they’re self-employed, that time might be considered a cause of lost income.
Hire a Public Adjuster
By far the best thing homeowners can do to ensure that the filing process goes smoothly is to hire a public adjuster. These professionals are paid to handle insurance claims and advocate for their clients. Visit us today to find out more about the claim-filing process and find a professional public adjuster who can help. You can connect with them on Facebook for more updates!
