How to file a homeowners insurance claim.
A violent storm damages your house. Your guest trips and falls on your backyard deck. A burglar breaks in. When an unfortunate event strikes, you might need to file a claim with your insurance company. To help you file a homeowners insurance claim smoothly and simply, check out these steps.
Report any crime to the police. If you are the victim of theft or your home has been vandalized, report it to the police. Get a police report and the names of all law enforcement officers that you speak with as you may need to provide the details of the event to your insurer.
Call your insurance company. It’s a good idea to call your insurance company as soon as you can. Be sure that you ask the following questions so that you know what to expect:
- Am I covered?
- How long do I have to file a claim?
- Will my claim exceed my deductible?
- How long will it take to process my claim?
Make temporary repairs. Photograph or videotape the damage, then take reasonable steps to protect your property from further damage. If possible, avoid throwing away damaged items until the adjuster has visited your home. Be sure to keep the receipts for what you spend on minor repairs as you may be able to get reimbursement.
Prepare a list of lost or damaged articles. You’re going to need to substantiate your loss, so make a list of destroyed or damaged items, then make a copy of the list for your adjuster. Also, supply him or her with available copies of receipts from damaged items. Having a home inventory will speed up this part of the claims process.
To protect your home throughout all sorts of disasters that are out of your control, visit the team at C.V. Mason Insurance Agency. Our
home insurance policies work to protect residents in Bristol and neighboring cities in Connecticut. Give our experts a call for more information.
