Filing a Home Insurance Claim

When damage occurs to homes, owners need to file homeowners insurance claims as quickly as possible. The celerity with which the policyholder files the claim will directly influence how quickly the insurance company pays out benefits. Read on for a step-by-step explanation of the homeowners insurance claims process. If you are a renter, you can find more accurate information on filing a renters insurance claim, but the process is very much the same.

1. Check your coverage. Before you spend the time contacting your insurance company, pull out your policy to verify that it covers the damage that occurred. For example, you may have water damage coverage in your homeowners insurance policy, but that does not mean it will provide protection in the event of a natural-disaster related flood. You can also call your agent to verify your coverage.
2. Get in touch with your insurer quickly. Most home insurance companies have a narrow window of time in which you can report losses. As such, it's best to begin the homeowners insurance claims process or the renters insurance claims process as soon as you can. Your policy should have a 24-hour claims number that you can call to begin the process. Talking to your agent is also a good way to get the ball rolling.
3. Hold on to the police report. If the damage to your home was caused by a collision or a crime of any sort, call the police and hold on to the copy of the police report. If the driver who did the damage to your home is on the scene when the officers are present, make sure you get his/her insurance card and information. Don't admit fault for the incident or offer to pay for any damages.
4. Shop around for estimates. Homeowners insurance claims go much more smoothly if you have a reliable estimate to show the adjuster. This applies to homeowners, renters, and auto insurance. The adjuster may approve your claim on the spot if you can show proof of a reasonable estimate from a reliable source.
5. Perform temporary repairs. Do what you need to protect your home from additional damage in the interim while you are planning for the major repairs. Keep all of the bills for your temporary repairs to show your insurance adjuster.
6. Don't discard a single document related to the incident. Documentation is crucial to the homeowners insurance claims process, so save every piece of paper you collect during the ordeal. Keep the receipts for any items you purchase, take pictures of the damages, etc. Also remember to keep the receipts and an inventory of all of your belongings before disaster strikes. A home inventory will make filing a homeowners insurance claim much easier.