If you’re planning to file a homeowners insurance claim, there are some things you need to know before you go for any claim, in fact these are the basics you should know at the time of getting a homeowners insurance policy.
To file a claim the procedures should be followed correctly as per the terms and conditions of the policy. You should have an idea of what your duties and responsibilities as a homeowner are, this will make sure that your claim is processed without any problems and you get the maximum amount for which you have filed a claim.
First thing to do is to assess the situation as it is and if the local authorities like the police department are to be reported or not. In some cases, you need to get a police report as an immediate action. In a case of personal injury a hospital report may be required.
Sometimes there is a time limit in which you can file the claim. You have to notify the insurance company with in that time period, after which it would be considered as delay from your side. These are small steps which you have to know to avoid any kind of problems in getting the claim amount.
Get in touch with your agent and tell him about the damage about which you want to file the claim for. You should always have the contact information of your agent easily accessible.
After notifying your agent and the insurance company about the damages you should access the damages and make a list of the points you want the claim for. Make a list of missing, lost or damaged items.
Do not throw out any kind of damaged items until the survey has been done. There would be things you will find later so you can always add them to you list. Always keep a copy of your homeowners insurance policy with yourself so that you can easily find out about the coverage of your policy and match it with the amount of damages.
Until someone from the insurance company comes for a survey and make a report of the damages, do not make any permanent repairs. Temporary repairs are necessary though, to prevent any further damage or loss. You will be responsible for taking immediate actions to prevent any future losses.
Keep a record of insurance adjuster’s inspection and the discussion you have with him. And keep in touch with you insurance agent so that claim processing is smoothly done.
Be careful in filling out the claim form and mention all the details asked. These are some basic things you should keep in mind at time of filling a homeowners insurance claims, this is probably the only time a person realizes the importance of a good homeowners insurance policy done from a good company.