When unexpected damage happens to your home, it’s important to make use of your home insurance. While filing a claim can seem tricky, here are some steps to help you get the most out of your coverage.
5 Steps to Filing a Homeowners Insurance Claim
Call the Police if Necessary
Certain types of claims, such as theft or vandalism, will require a police report. You’ll want to get the names of all law enforcement officers to help provide details of the event to your home insurance company.
Document Everything You Can
Take photos and videos of the aftermath to provide documented proof to your home insurance company. If there was an injury or damage to your property, document as much as you can—the date, time, and details of the incident as it will make the claims process go smoother. If your house is uninhabitable from the damage, make sure to keep all of your lodging and food receipts to make a claim for additional living expenses if possible.
Call Your Home Insurance Company
You’ll want to ask the following items about your home insurance policy:
- Your level of insurance coverage
- The amount of time you have to file a claim
- Whether the claim exceeds the deductible
Arrange a Visit from an Insurance Adjuster
Your homeowners insurance company will likely provide an insurance adjuster to come and inspect your home. The adjuster will inspect the damage and help determine what the insurance company could pay for the loss. Make sure to have a list of damaged items prepared so you can have all of your bases covered and accounted for.
Consider Making Temporary Home Repairs
If you have damage that could make your home unlivable, consider making the repairs early to prevent further damage. Keep the receipts for every repair you make in the meantime so that you can submit them to your insurance company for reimbursement.
What to Do if You Home Insurance Claim is Denied
If your home insurance claim is denied, take the time to discuss with your company to better understand why. Your insurance company will likely send a formal letter explaining their reason for denying your claim and will use specific language from your policy to justify the denial. If you still believe your property damage should be covered, the insurance adjuster and your agent can help guide you in reversing the claim denial. You can also file a formal appeal, which will prompt a review of your denied home insurance claim. You’ll want to provide as much evidence as possible to support the position of your damages being covered.
Let SelectQuote Find the Best Homeowners Insurance for You
The right homeowners insurance can lessen the impact of any financial stressors associated with damage or losses to your home and can provide peace of mind when you need it most. We make shopping for home insurance easy, in just minutes we can provide you with home insurance quotes and help you determine what policy is right for your situation.
