Even a few inches of flood water can cause extensive damage to your home.
Homeowner's insurance protects you in case of damage to, and injuries on your property. A homeowner's insurance policy can be expensive -- the full price depends upon your residence's location, type and the options you select. If you need to make a homeowner's insurance claim to recoup losses, make sure you have all the information about the incident and that your loss is covered by your plan. Many homeowners' insurance plans may not cover flood damage, for example, unless you add it as a supplement for an additional fee.
Instructions
1. Collect any proof of damages that you need. If you are claiming any injuries, get medical records and doctors' bills, as well as pictures of where on the property the injury occurred. If you're filing for theft, obtain a copy of the police report, bills for any damages you've already paid for and receipts or appraisals of expensive items that were taken. If the claim is for weather damage, take several pictures or videos of the damage from various angles. For property or contents that have sustained damage, do not discard items -- the claims adjuster needs to inspect everything.
2. Contact your insurer immediately, even if the event happens on a weekend or during the night. Explain that you need to make a claim on your homeowner's insurance policy. Each insurer has its own process for filing claims, and larger insurance companies may offer online claim filing and 24-hour claims telephone operators. Refer to the section of your homeowner's insurance policy that covers your loss for specifics.
3. Make arrangements to get the claim paperwork from your insurer. Pick it up in person, download it online or have it mailed to you. Fill it out completely, describing the incident thoroughly and clearly.
4. Set a time for an insurance adjuster to come view your property and assess the damages. Work with your insurer to choose a workable appointment time for yourself and the company adjuster.
5. Ask if your policy covers an independent insurance adjuster. Having a second adjuster - one that isn't being paid by your insurance - to assess the damage and decide what should be covered can be valuable, and many times the cost of the adjuster is covered by your policy. Independent adjusters tend to charge about 10 percent of the value of your total claim, so it's worth trying to see if this cost is covered as well. Find an independent professional through the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters.
6. Monitor your claim by contacting your insurance provider once every 10 days until the claim is settled. Allow inspectors to access your property as needed and promptly respond to any request for forms or additional information.
7. Review your adjuster's settlement offer and don't be afraid to negotiate. Insurance adjusters use average replacement cost software to compile your settlement amount, which means that they could underestimate some of your home's specific replacement costs. When you receive a settlement and your first claim check, only cash it if you agree with the settlement amount. Otherwise, document why you should receive a higher settlement, and file an appeal with your insurance company.
Tags: homeowner insurance policy, insurance policy, your insurance, your insurer, your property
