How to Handle Home Owners Insurance Claims

In the event of misfortune hitting your home, the first thing you can do for yourself is start taking steps to minimize the damage. In the case of your home owner's insurance, this involves acting quickly to ensure that everything gets taken of a timely manner. By familiarizing yourself with the process of filing home owners insurance claims, you can swing into action and make sure that everything is handled in the most expedient way possible for you and your family.

The first thing to remember is that home owner's insurance is there to help you. Whenever there is damage to something that is covered under your policy, you need to take steps to make the policy provider aware of it as soon as possible. To this end, familiarize yourself with your policy and make sure you know what it does and does not cover; this can save time and money during an emergency situation.

Report, report, report! When your house or possessions have been damaged in some way, it can be hard to think about what needs to be done and who needs to be called. Depending on the situation, the police might be the first people you have called, especially if the damage includes theft or vandalism. Make sure you have access to any appropriate police documents your insurance company will need, as well as the names of the officers you dealt with.

It cannot be emphasized enough that you need to speak with the insurance company as soon as you are able to do so. There is a time limit on getting your claim filed, and if you wait too long to report it, you may not receive and reimbursement at all. Be proactive in this regard and remember to ask lots of questions. Find out precisely what is covered in your current situation, ask about time frames of payment, and find out exactly what needs to be done.

After you claim has been filed, it is your insurance company's responsibility to provide you with the necessary claim forms. As soon as you get these forms, fill them out and send them right back, as doing so will prevent delays in reimbursement.

Record, record, record! Depending on your home owner's insurance policy and the regulations provided by your state, there will be a certain amount of time in limbo when you wait for the insurance processing to take place. During this time, if necessary, take appropriate measures to ensure your home is safe and your own living situation is secure. This includes making temporary repairs and, if you have lost all use of your home, finding a place for your family to stay. Speak with your insurance agent and find what out what is covered under the "loss of use" portion of your home owners insurance policy.

If and when an adjuster comes out to personally examine the damage, there are a few things to keep in mind. If at all possible, make sure that pictures have been taken of the damage and lists are kept of items lost. The more documentation you have, the better!

Filing a home owner's insurance claim can seem a bit overwhelming, but if you keep this information in mind, you'll be off to a good start.

 

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