How to File an Insurance Claim
There are so many things going through your mind after a large storm hits your neighborhood and it looks more like a war zone than a picturesque place to live. To make your insurance claim filing process a little easier here are six easy tips.
- Record the date of the storm. Take pictures all the way around your home of signs of damage that you can see from the ground. Take the time to print off some news stories online regarding the storm hitting your area for proof.
- Research three reputable construction companies to obtain three estimates or proposals. Ensure that you contractor is doing a full property inspection of your windows, siding, roofing, gutters, screen, concrete & AC unit just to name a few.
- Find your insurance policy and read it over carefully. After understanding your policy, contact your claims representative and inform them of your recent storm damage. Be sure to have all of your documentation such as pictures and articles ready to send them as well as the estimate you chose from the three reputable contractors.
- Request your insurance adjuster be there the same day as your contractor. Your reputable contractor’s job is to ensure your insurance adjuster plays fair, and provides you with a fair assessment of your property damage.
- Any type of damage to your home devalues it, so if you claim is denied, understand that you are entitled to meet with three insurance adjusters. Even a relatively small amount of damage to your home should result in an approved claim. Remember you pay your premiums every month!
- When your claim is approved, your insurance company will send you two separate payments. The first payment is for the materials cost of your job. Once your job has passed a city inspection, you will have a change to approve the work done before making the final payment. Ensure that the work performed is done to your satisfaction and your contractor signs a lien waiver.
Keep in mind that most state laws prohibit insurance companies from cancelling your policy for filing and Act of God storm damage claim. Most of them also cannot raise your rates because of this clause either. If you insurance companies says they are going to raise your rates if you file a claim, they have to raise everyone’s rates in your area so don’t feel threatened by the phone pitch they might give you.
