How to Make a Claim on Home Insurance
Homeowner's insurance is designed to protect the homeowner and mortgage company in the event of damage to the insured property. In the event of wind, tornado, rain, snow, flood or other damage covered by your policy, you need to be prepared to file a homeowner's insurance claim to ensure the property is covered and all necessary repairs are made. It is important to act swiftly and follow guidelines set forth by your insurance company to simplify the claims process.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Retrieve a copy of your homeowner's insurance policy. Review your declaration page to determine if the claim is covered by your policy. Take photos of the damage and make documentation.
-
2
Call your insurance agent who sold you your homeowner's policy. The agent will take the information from your or give you a number to call to make a claim on your homeowner's insurance.
-
-
3
Provide the information required to file a homeowner's claim. This includes your insurance policy number, the date the damage occurred, type of damage, cause of the damage and other details requested from the agent or claims specialist.
-
4
Secure the damaged area. The agent or claims specialist will ask you to make sure the area does not suffer further damage before an adjuster or repair person accesses your home.
-
5
Call several companies that specialize in home repair to give you estimates of the cost to repair the damage to your home. Have them prepare a written estimate for your insurance company. After an adjuster views the damage and does an estimate for repair, the insurance company requests a copy of the written estimates.
-
6
Complete the repairs on your home after the insurance company gives the go-ahead. Make sure the repair company accepts insurance payments for work completed. Also, remember you are responsible for the deductible and must pay it directly to the repair company.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Make sure your policy covers the damage before reporting a claim.
References
- Photo Credit broken window reflecting blue sky image by Steve Mann from Fotolia.com
