Feb 09, 2023
10 Tips for Navigating the Home Insurance Claims Process
Filing a home insurance claim can be confusing, so it’s important to stay organized and informed throughout the process. Knowing what paperwork is necessary, understanding your policy coverage and negotiating if needed are all key steps in making sure you get the best possible outcome. In this blog, we’ll discuss ten tips that will help make filing a successful home insurance claim easier for you and your insurance adjuster. From keeping track of documents to staying proactive in managing the process, these tips will ensure that your claims experience goes as smoothly as possible.
Understand your coverage
Before you make a home insurance claim, it’s essential that you understand exactly what your policy covers. Take some time to thoroughly review the details of your specific plan so you know what to expect when you reach out. Each policy has different levels of coverage and when making a claim, it’s crucial that you confirm your understanding of what is included before filing. Once you feel confident in your knowledge, go ahead and start the claims process. Knowing precisely what is covered by your policy can help streamline the process and give you peace of mind throughout the experience.
Document the damage
In order to make a successful home insurance claim, it is essential to document the damage sustained by your property. Photos and videos can greatly enhance your case and help ensure you receive the level of compensation for which you are eligible. In addition to capturing visual records of the damages, jotting down notes or keeping damaged items if possible can also be beneficial in verifying your claim. Remember to thoroughly inspect the entire property for any signs of damage that may be caused by the incident at hand. Taking steps to accurately document what has been damaged can make a huge difference in the outcome of your home insurance claim.
Create an inventory list
It is important to make a detailed inventory list of all the items that have been damaged when you make a home insurance claim. This list should include specific information such as brand, model and serial number for each item, and should also include any receipts or proof of purchase from the store or online website you bought them from. The more detail found on this list, the better chance you have in receiving the full amount of compensation for those items on your insurance claim. Taking the time to document your belongings with an accurate inventory list is worth it, because it can provide additional evidence during the claims process.
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible
Ensuring that you contact your home insurance company as soon as possible after any incident is important in order to properly document the event. This will ensure that your claim isn’t denied due to a delayed filing, which can be the case if you wait too much time. Making sure to quickly provide all necessary information, such as date, time, and any details surrounding the event, is paramount in protecting yourself and allowing the process to move forward efficiently. If done properly, this swift and thorough communication will help relieve stress and provide peace of mind throughout the claims process.
Get emergency housing if you are entitled to it
When you have a home insurance claim and your home is no longer livable, many policies include an allowable living expense for temporary housing while your home is being repaired. Companies like HighStreet Accommodations provide temporary housing and have been working with the insurance industry for many years. You’ll likely want an accommodation that is located close to your current home, or perhaps close to your working location. HighStreet Accommodations has properties located throughout the Lower Mainland and even bills your insurance company directly so there is no need for you to pay out of pocket and reclaim the expense later. You also want to consider how important it is to have flexibility with extending, should the repair work taking longer than anticipated, which is often the case. When you rent an AirBNB or other property from individuals that are not set up for insurance claims, you have less security in extensions, and more out of pocket expenses. Not to mention the level of service is far lower, something that you will value greatly during your time of need. Reach out to your adjuster about temporary insurance accommodation, or contact HighStreet Accommodations directly and speak with one of their insurance accommodation specialists.
Gather estimates for repairs from reputable contractors
With any home insurance claim, it is important to ensure you are gathering estimates from reputable contractors that have experience dealing with insurance companies. This might be something your adjuster will take care of, but if not, doing an online search and reading reviews can help you make a more informed decision when selecting which contractor to hire. When you receive your estimates, double-check them against your coverage limits to make sure you understand which repairs may not be covered and what the estimated out-of-pocket cost will be. Taking the time to review estimates and coverage thoroughly can help alleviate potential costs in the future.
Keep track of all related documents and receipts
After filing a home insurance claim, it is important to keep track of all associated documents and receipts. This includes any repair invoices, emails, or phone calls that are related to the claim. Having these items organized and easily accessible can ensure that the claims process is easier for you and your insurance provider. Keeping records of all relevant interactions throughout the claims process will also create a reliable source of evidence for future reference. Being mindful of the details and staying organized will go a long way in helping you reach a resolution as quickly and efficiently as possible.
File the claim promptly
With any home insurance claim you file, it is important to do so in a timely manner and include all necessary documents. Doing this can help ensure that your claim is processed as quickly as possible — making sure that your home gets the necessary repairs or replacements because of the incident, and that you don’t fall victim to any unnecessary hiccups along the way. Make sure to pay careful attention when filing your paperwork to make sure everything is up to date and accurate. Filing an insurance claim may seem daunting at first, but with the right information and some patience, it doesn’t have to be an overly strenuous experience.
Negotiate if needed
Negotiating a home insurance claim can be intimidating, so it is essential to equip yourself with knowledge before even attempting the process. Before anything else, be sure you understand how much your policy provides—every policy is different, and there may be limits on the amount of coverage based on the incident or type of damage. Establish your policy coverage and make sure that what you are being offered is within those guidelines respectively; once you have done this research it will only become easier for you to evaluate what might need to be negotiated further. Do not feel obligated to sign any documents until you fully understand what conditions your home insurance requires and are satisfied that they are agreeing to its terms.
Be proactive in managing the claim process
Now that you have had your home insurance claim, it is important to stay in contact with your adjuster for each step. Open communication with your insurance adjuster can make a significant difference during the process so you are both on the same page and happy with the end result. If any of the forms or documentation needs to be updated, it’s critical to do so in a timely manner. If questions arise during the process, respond quickly so that there are no unnecessary delays. The key is to keep the lines of communication open; if anything changes or requirements need clarification, let your adjuster know right away. Ultimately, proactive communication can help expedite resolution and ensure you receive the best possible outcome.
Overall, filing a home insurance claim can be an overwhelming process. However, if you take the right steps and stay organized throughout the duration of your claim, it will become much easier to manage.
