Filing a homeowners insurance claim can be a daunting task, especially during a time of distress, such as property damage or loss. However, understanding the process and knowing how to navigate it effectively can help you recover and rebuild after unforeseen events. Whether it's damage from a natural disaster, theft, or other covered incidents, knowing how to file a homeowners insurance claim is crucial for ensuring a smooth and successful resolution. In this article, we’ll review how to file a claim and discuss what to do if your claim is denied so you understand your coverage and options.
Five Steps to Filing a Homeowners Insurance Claim
Understanding how to file a home insurance claim can help give you peace of mind in the event of unforeseen circumstances. From documenting the damage to communicating effectively with the insurance company, each step plays a pivotal role in securing the necessary coverage for property-related losses. Here are the key steps to follow when filing a homeowners insurance claim:
1. Call the Police if Necessary
The first step is to assess and document the extent of the damage to your property and call the police if necessary. For example, certain types of claims, such as theft or vandalism, will require a police report. You’ll want to get the names of all law enforcement officers to help provide details of the event to your home insurance company.
2. Document Everything You Can
Take photos and videos of the aftermath to provide documented proof to your home insurance company. If there was an injury or damage to your property, document as much as you can—the date, time, and details of the incident as it will make the claims process go smoother.
Keep thorough records of all communications with the insurance company, including the names of representatives spoken to, dates and times of conversations, and a summary of the discussions. Maintain copies of all documentation submitted and received throughout the claims process. If your house is uninhabitable from the damage, make sure to keep all of your lodging and food receipts to make a claim for additional living expenses if possible.
3. Call Your Home Insurance Company
Promptly notify your insurance company about the damage and initiate the claims process. Be prepared to provide details about the damage, the date it occurred, and any immediate actions taken to mitigate further losses, such as temporary repairs. You’ll want to ask the following items about your home insurance policy:
Your level of insurance coverage
The amount of time you have to file a claim
Whether the claim exceeds the deductible
4. Arrange a Visit from an Insurance Adjuster
Your homeowners insurance company will likely provide an insurance adjuster to come and inspect your home. The adjuster will inspect the damage and help determine what the insurance company could pay for the loss. Make sure to have a list of damaged items prepared so you can have all of your bases covered and accounted for.
5. Consider Making Temporary Home Repairs
If you have damage that could make your home unlivable, consider making the repairs early to prevent further damage. Keep the receipts for every repair you make in the meantime so that you can submit them to your insurance company for reimbursement.
What to Do if Your Home Insurance Claim is Denied
If your home insurance claim is denied, take the time to discuss it with your company to better understand why. Your insurance company will likely send a formal letter explaining their reason for denying your claim and will use specific language from your policy to justify the denial. If you still believe your property damage should be covered, the insurance adjuster and your agent can help guide you in reversing the claim denial. You can also file a formal appeal, which will prompt a review of your denied home insurance claim. You’ll want to provide as much evidence as possible to support the position of your damages being covered.
Let SelectQuote Find the Right Homeowners Insurance for You
While filing a claim may seem like an overwhelming process, securing the right homeowners insurance can provide peace of mind when you need it most. At SelectQuote, we make shopping for home insurance easy. In just minutes, we can provide you with home insurance quotes from several of the nation’s most trusted carriers. With nearly 40 years of industry experience, our licensed insurance agents will help you determine what policy is right for your situation.
