Tips For Itemizing Damages for Your Homeowners Insurance Claim

If your home has been damaged, the first step you must take is to file a homeowners insurance claim. Make the claims process less complex and frustrating by doing these few things. Here are twelve recommendations for itemizing your damage for your homeowner's insurance claim.

Compile a List and Capture Images

It may seem apparent, but you should first examine the damage to your home and make a list of everything that is broken. If you are uncertain whether your policy covers the item, add it to the list and verify coverage later. Prepare a flood restoration checklist if you have suffered flood damage. Take shots of everything from various perspectives and under varied lighting conditions if required. It is always preferable to have too much information than not enough.

Stay Organized

Keeping track of a homeowners insurance claim requires organization, especially if you have numerous items that need to be fixed or replaced. Create a binder or maintain a spreadsheet with the following items:

• The object
• The date of acquisition
• What you paid
• Receipts

In insurance claims, receipts are as valuable as gold because they verify the value of your goods. Start a receipt filing system for valuable products in your home immediately if you do not already have one. Keep track of every interaction with your insurance provider during the claims process, including the dates of phone conversations and visits, the names of those with whom you spoke, and a record of what was covered.

Submit Your Claim Promptly

The sooner you file the claim, the sooner you will (hopefully) receive the repair cash. As soon as possible after the incident, contact your insurance carrier by phone or online. If there was a storm in your region and you're filing a hail damage claim, likely, your neighbors will also file, which will strengthen your case. There is a potential that your insurance provider will be doubtful if you wait too long, so filing as soon as possible is preferable.

Also, File a Police Report

If vandalism or theft caused damage to your home, submitting a police report is required. Obtain a copy of the police report and note who you spoke with and any officers that visited your premises for an inspection. Your insurance company will almost request a copy of the police report.

Do Not Hurry the Procedure

It may be tempting to rush through the inspection to initiate the refund procedure, but taking your time is crucial. Also, take your time with the procedure; investigate any unfamiliar phrases, ask for clarifications, and enlist the aid of friends and family. It takes time for the insurance company to perform calculations following a significant claim. You would rather they be precise than rapidly cash a smaller check.

Perform Temporary Maintenance

Before completing repairs on some insurance claims, you can wait until the firm issues payment. For others, such as a roofing insurance claim, you may need to make repairs to prevent further damage to your house. In addition, if you do not perform temporary repairs and new damage occurs, your insurance provider may deny coverage for the additional damage since you did not take preventative precautions.

Keep Your Receipts

Save any receipts if you undertake interim repairs to your home between the time the damage happens and the insurance company issues payment. You can submit these to the employer as part of your compensation claim.

Know What Your Insurance Policy Covers and Does Not Cover

Frequently, industry words and jargon dominate insurance policies, which can be difficult. However, it is essential to comprehend what your policy covers and does not cover. The policy may establish contractual duties, such as deadlines for providing receipts. If there is something in the policy you do not understand, contact your agent or a knowledgeable friend to explain it.

Be Polite, But Maintain Your Position

Maintain continual communication with your adjuster and advocate for yourself. Unfortunately, insurance adjusters are obligated to safeguard the insurance company's interests, which might occasionally conflict with yours.

Still, many consumers are wise to hire an experienced insurance attorney early in the claims process. Having a highly-skilled advocate will only help you in the process. Many times, the insurance company will underpay your claim. If that happens (which is common), you can obtain some form of reimbursement for the fees your lawyer charges.

Obtain Some Repair Estimates

As with any home improvement project, obtain estimates from many professionals for the cost of your repairs so that you are prepared for what you will ultimately pay. When your insurance adjuster provides you with a repair cost estimate, it should be in the middle to upper range of your estimates. If not, negotiate with the insurance company to obtain a fair settlement.

Evaluate Policy Details

If your company tries to deny your claim or even a portion of it, you should reexamine your policy to determine whether you can appeal the refusal. A first refusal does not necessarily indicate that the insurance company will not issue a settlement; it may just indicate that it lacked the requisite information or paperwork to cover the claim.

Monitor Your Monthly Expenses

Did you know that if your home is too damaged to live in, your coverage may cover hotel expenses? Most regular homeowner's insurance policies contain a loss-of-use clause that covers either partial or total expenses if you and your family are forced to relocate. Keep any accommodation and meal receipts so you can submit them to your insurance provider.