Insurance Claim on Homeowners’ Policy

How to Claim on Your Homeowner’s Insurance

A fallen tree in the middle of your house or a hail storm that damage the shingles on the roof can always be costly and having a homeowners’ insurance policy can make the difference. These natural causes are generally covered by insurance. But filing an insurance claim can really cause a lot of stress. Sometimes, the process seems like a never ending state of waiting. However, knowing a few things on what to do in claiming your insurance policy can really help the process go faster and easier.

Simple Instructions on insurance claims;

1. First of all, call your insurance agent. Begin to report the damage of your roof or property to the insurance agent immediately. Damage caused by natural disasters such as wind and hail storms can take a considerable amount of time to process a claim since other homeowners in your area are probably filing the same type of insurance claim with the company too. But reporting the claim promptly will start the process.

2. Take pictures and photograph the damage structure to document your claim. Although insurance adjusters do this, you can shorten the process by taking the photos by yourself instead of waiting for them to arrive. Take very good, clear pictures from different angles of the damage on your property, to clearly present the extent of damage. Do not begin repairs until you have these pictures printed, because it might be hard to prove what happened without them. Once you have the pictures, you can begin fixing the damage.

3. If you intend to wait for the insurance claim to fix the damage permanently, temporarily cover the damage on the roof with a wood or tarp. This would protect your household contents from damage while you wait. The home insurance policy does not typically cover household contents if they become wet. You will be responsible to take the necessary steps to protect and minimize any future damage that might occur while the process is in progress. Sometimes it would be even better for you to remove movable items of value from below the opening of the roof, away from getting wet and future damaged.

4. If you begin repairs, do not forget to document all your expenses, such as labor and materials, for removing a tree, or replacing your television antennae. After all insurance deductibles are met you can be entitled to recover your expenses for the new roof including the cost of having a tree removed or replacing your television antennae. It is necessary to keep all your receipts and invoices of your expenses and have it reimbursed, as part of the insurance claim.

5. If extensive damage is done and would require a contractor to do the job, get at least three estimates for the new roof. The insurance company may have a list of accredited companies to choose from which you can use or request for such estimates. There may be several roofing companies in your area that you can request for estimates as well.

6. Be warned that getting your own estimates might delay the process if your contractor is not licensed and insured. Choose a licensed contractor in processing your insurance claim.