How to File An Insurance Claim Podcast

There are six simple steps you need to know when filing a home insurance claim. First, let your insurance company know as soon as possible that your home has suffered damage and if you have needed to evacuate, let them know where they can reach you! You want to let them know the extent of the damage. Insurance companies will go to homes with the worse damage first. It is therefore important to let them know if your home has been destroyed or if it simply suffered minor damage. Step two is to document your loss. You will need to prepare for the adjuster’s visit by making a list of damaged property. If possible, take photographs and now is a good time to take out your home inventory to substantiate your loss. The third step is to keep receipts for any additional living expenses. If your home is destroyed by an insured disaster such as a fire or hurricane, you will be reimbursed by your insurer for the cost of hotel rooms and restaurant meals, but remember, it is very important to keep all of those receipts. Step four, it is your responsibility to make temporary repairs to prevent additional damage, but if it is not safe to do so, do not put yourself at harm’s way! If you do make temporary repairs, keep receipts for all of your expenses, you will be reimbursed by your insurance company. Step five is to get organized! The better your record keeping is, the easier and faster the entire claims process will be, so it is important to not only keep receipts, but to also keep the name and contact information of every single person you have spoken to throughout the claims process and lastly, do not be the victim of a scam! It is unfortunate, but after every disaster, unscrupulous service providers seem to come out of the woodwork and prey on disaster victims. It is very important to check references and never give a deposit to somebody you do not know because you might never see that money again!

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