How do you make a homeowners insurance claim?

If someone is injured on your property, or your home is damaged or destroyed, you will need to make an insurance claim to receive compensation and make repairs.

Remember that your homeowner’s insurance policy is a contract between you and the insurance company and there are rules and procedures that you must follow so that any damage that occurs is brought to the attention of the insurer. The first recommendation is that you read the text of the policy and know what your rights and responsibilities are.

If a crime occurs, report it to the police

If you are the victim of a break-in or your home is vandalized or someone breaks in, you should report it to the police. You will need to obtain a police report with the details of the complaint as well as the names of the officers with whom you have spoken.

Call your insurance agent or insurer right away

Insurance companies place a time limit in which you must file a claim after suffering damage. Find out what the limit is in your case and ask the following questions: Does the policy include coverage for this event? Does the claim exceed the deductible amount? (Your deductible is the amount of money that you agreed with the insurer that you would personally cover before the company starts recognizing payments). How long will it take to process the claim? Is an estimate for damages, repairs, or restitution for the damaged property required to be submitted with the claim? (for example, an estimate for the repair of structural damage, etc.).

Make temporary arrangements

Take the necessary precautions to avoid greater or more damage to your property. Keep all the receipts for expenses incurred in this aspect to deliver them to the insurer that will reimburse said expenses.

Prepare a list of damaged property or damaged items

You'll also need to substantiate your losses, so don't write off damaged items until an insurance appraiser or “adjuster” visits your home. Consider taking photos and video of the damage you have sustained. If you have an inventory of your property, give a copy to your appraiser and provide copies of purchase receipts for damaged items.

If you need to temporarily move to another home, keep receipts for expenses

If your home is severely damaged and you are unable to continue living in it while repairs are being carried out, you will need to temporarily move to either a hotel or a rented space. Be sure to keep all receipts for this type of expense, since most home insurance plans have coverage that recognizes them and is known as "loss of use of your home"; therefore the expenses could be indemnified.

Obtain insurance claim forms

Once you notify the insurer of your claim, the company will require you to fill out the necessary forms and submit them within a certain time (this time period varies by state). Send the insurer all the documentation requested, your backup, in the shortest time possible to avoid delays in the claim.

Have an appraiser visit your property

It is almost a given that your insurer will arrange for an appraiser to inspect your property and define the cost of the damages.

Once the insurer knows the extent of the damage, they will issue a settlement agreement, and state law requires the insurer to send you prompt payment. In most cases these are resolved quickly.

If you have questions or concerns regarding the laws governing indemnity settlements in your state, you can contact your state insurance department directly, or if you prefer, you can call your insurance agent who will help you understand your rights.

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