5 Tips for Filing a Homeowner’s Property Damage Insurance Claim

You purchase homeowners insurance to protect yourself from expenses that can arise from property damage. However, how do you set things in motion when damages occur? How do you stake your claim and ensure the insurance company is responsible for the expenses incurred on repairs?

In this article, we will provide you with five tips for making these claims to help you navigate the home insurance claims process if your home gets damaged.

  1. Report Crimes to the Police

If your property damage is the result of a crime, the first step you should take is to report the incident to the police. Do not stop there. Get a copy of the police report after it has been filed, as well as the names and contact of the officers you spoke to regarding your report. Having this information will make it easy for your insurer to verify and corroborate your claims.

  • Inform Your Insurer

This is the second step you will have to take if the damage to your property results from a crime. Otherwise, it will be your first step. Regardless, you should do this as early as possible. The longer you take to report property damage, the longer it will take for them to pay you. Besides, insurers can become suspicious of late claims and may ask for additional evidence to verify your claim.

After you make your report, your insurer will send you claim forms within a certain number of days. Fill these out and return them as soon as possible to avoid delays. Next, your insurance company will send an adjuster to inspect the damage and determine how much they should pay.

  • Document the Damage

The next step you should take is to document the damage. Take pictures of every damaged equipment and area of your property. Also, make a list of these items. If you have purchase receipts, make copies of them. You can provide your adjuster with these copies if required. Documenting the damage will help streamline your claims process.

  • Make Minor Repairs

If there are certain immediate repairs that you can make, do not delay them. This will prevent further property damage and ultimately help you save money. Moreover, if you neglect to conduct necessary repairs and it results in further damage, your insurer might refuse to cover that damage. However, make sure you keep the receipts of the expenses you incurred while making these repairs.

  • Organize Your Receipts

Make sure that every expense you incur during the claims process has a receipt that is kept well organized for easy access. Your insurer might also give you a check to get the repairs started. Having receipts for every repair you undertake will validate the expenses you have incurred and make it easier for you to get reimbursed.

With these tips, navigating your property damage claims process should be easy. If you want to know more and explore the insurance options available to you as a homeowner, talk to us at ISU Wissink Agency today. We are ready to assist you with all your coverage needs.