The kids next door playing baseball break your window. A fire pit becomes a fire lawn. A burglar decides to borrow some of your items. If these or similar events have happened to you then you may want to file an insurance claim. However, it isn’t always that easy due to some rules and regulations that we will go over.
What is an Insurance Claim?
An insurance claim is a formal request to an insurance company for coverage or compensation for a covered loss or policy event. The insurance company validates the claim and, once approved, issues payment to the insured or an approved interested party on behalf of the insured. A home is typically the largest asset a person will own in their lifetime making it very important to file a claim when available.
How To File A Claim
First, be sure to read your policy so that you know what you are responsible for in the agreement with the insurers.
Crimes. If any serious crimes occur be sure to call the police. Write down any names of the officers you talk to so that when you talk to your insurer you have that information ready. If anything was damaged make a list and be sure to take photographs as well.
Damages. If anything was damaged enough that you don’t feel safe in the house then have those items repaired if you can. Take videos and photos for evidence of the damages before repairing, otherwise, leave the damages there that can stay for a bit as evidence.
Keep receipts. Any damages you need to pay for or if you need to move out for a bit keep the receipts. It’s possible the insurance will pay for these expenses.
Call your insurance. Be prepared to ask any questions you need. Here are some questions that could support you: Am I covered? How long do I have to file a claim? How long will it take to process my claim? Will I need to obtain estimates for repairs to structural damage?
Fill out the forms. If are deciding to make a claim your insurance will send you the forms to fill out and by law these forms must be sent to you by a certain date. Don’t delay in filling these out because the only one who will suffer is you.
Wait for the adjuster. The insurance company will probably send an adjuster to come and check out your damages. Their job is to see how much the insurance company should pay for the damages. Have your list of damaged items and photos ready.
Getting Your Claim
Once you know your claim is an approved claim, all you need to do is wait. By law, the insurance has to make sure the payment is sent to you promptly. Time to get to repairing. I know its hard to accept when challenging situations happen but the best thing you can do mentally is to accept that they have happened. You can’t change it no matter how upset you get so think of this as a new, maybe not exciting, adventure to go on. It’s only as painful as you want it to be.