Your home is a major investment, so you naturally want to protect it from all sorts of perils. That is the purpose of home insurance, which can provide funds for repairs or replacement in the event a covered peril causes damage.
Filing a home insurance claim is not necessarily complex, but there are a lot of steps involved. Here are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your claim receives the attention it deserves.
Contact your insurer immediately
It is best to speak with your insurance company as soon as possible after you discover damage. Some insurers even have a specific timeline during which claimants must file. You may also want to quickly peruse your policy before making the call, just to verify that the damage is actually covered.
Document any damage
As soon as possible, take pictures and video of the damage in your home. If you still have receipts for damaged items, get them organized now. This will help the adjuster determine the value of items for reimbursement purposes. You should also make note of the interactions you have with your insurer. Save texts and emails and create a call log to document phone conversations.
Make repairs if needed
While you must wait for your insurer to release funds before making substantial repairs, you can address urgent issues immediately. For instance, a broken window constitutes a security hazard and affects the comfort of your home. In this case, you can cover the window with a board to prevent more damage from occurring. You may even be able to get reimbursed for any repairs through your insurer.
Swift action is often best when it comes to home claims. The goal is to have your home restored in a timely manner to ensure your investment is well protected.