What to do if you need to file a homeowners insurance claim

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If you think your insurance policy will cover damage to your personal property or home, contact your insurance company as soon as possible and be prepared to provide the facts of the damage.

However, the process for submitting a home insurance claim will depend on your insurance provider and the type of claim you are submitting, but you should generally follow these steps:

Take photos of the damage and/or call the police

Do not leave your home until you have reported the break-in to the authorities. In order to establish the fact of theft, you must send your insurance company a copy of the police report when you file your claim.


1. Contact your insurance provider

Notify your insurance company of the incident by calling the insurance company directly. When you get to your insurance company, a claims representative will likely be able to tell you whether your plan covers the loss and how long it will take you to file a claim. Additionally, you may receive a general estimate of the value of the damage and whether that amount exceeds your policy deductible. A schedule can be provided, as well as if you need an estimate for structural damage repairs.

2. Fill out the application form

You must submit your claim using the company's mobile or online claims system or a paper copy of your filing receipt. These documents include the cause of damage, damage proof forms, property affected and estimated damage. Photos and videos showing the corruption can also be provided at this time if necessary.

3. Make sure everything is documented.

For example, to get a refund check for lost personal items, you must first prove the loss. Your chances of getting paid are better if you can use manifests, receipts, or house listings to track the description and value of damaged or stolen property.

4. Temporary maintenance should be carried out.

To avoid future damage to your house, you should check for vent or structural damage. A leak or hole in the exterior of your home should be repaired as soon as possible so your insurance company can cover you.

5. Get the regulator ready.

Depending on the amount of the claim and the damage to the structure of the home, a visit to an insurance adjuster may be necessary. Before a claim can be processed, an adjuster must assess the damage and verify a few details. Inspections may include, but are not limited to:

? Check that your insurance coverage covers the cause of the damage.

? Thoroughly check the structural integrity of your home

?Provide documents such as photos, receipts or property listings to the specialist.

? In the case of a liability claim, the adjuster may ask for the names and phone numbers of doctors, attorneys or other parties involved in the incident.

? Detailed interviews with policyholders


6. Talk to contractors in your area to get estimates for repairs or remodeling.

Depending on the extent of the damage, you should obtain damage estimates from a variety of sources, including local contractors, roofing companies, and even surveyors. Licensed contractors bidding to repair or rebuild your home can give you a bargain with your insurance company.

(Images from the internet)

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