Making a claim on a home insurance policy is something most homeowners hope they will never have to do. Sometimes things do happen however, so it is important to know how to make a claim when the need arises.
Making a claim on your home insurance isn’t difficult, but there are certain steps that need to be taken to ensure you get the coverage you need. Let’s look at how to properly make a claim on your home insurance policy.
Contact the Police if Needed
If your claim involves theft or vandalism to your property (home, car, etc.), the very first thing you’ll want to do is contact the police and file a report. Not only should you file a report to help the police catch whatever criminal has been on your property, you should for the sake of your insurance claim as well. Many insurance plans will require a full police report before paying out on a claim of theft and things of that nature. By having a police report available to your insurance provider, you can make the entire process smoother.
Contact Your Insurance Provider
Once you’ve contacted the police (if need be), the next thing you will want to do is contact your insurance provider to file an official claim on your policy. Contacting your insurance company immediately is very important, as some companies have requirements about how quickly you contact them. Once you have submitted a claim, you’ll be assigned an adjuster who will come out and determine the cost of repairs for you.
Keep a Record
While you wait for your claim to process and the adjuster to come give repair estimates, it is a good idea to take photographs of the damage. In the case of theft, you’ll want to carefully inspect the home and assess what is missing. This information will also be useful for the police report.
If your claim is related to storm damage or similar, you may want to begin looking for a professional to repair the damage. If your roof is damaged and rain or snow are in the forecast, you’ll want to act fast to prevent further damage. If you do need to get repairs underway before your claim is fully processed, make sure to keep estimates and receipts for reimbursement.
Have a Question Your Home Insurance?
If you are confused about your home insurance policy, or you are in the market for a new one, look to the experts at Freedom Insurance Agency. We offer Carroll County home insurance plans for clients with a wide range of needs. Contact us to discuss your insurance questions today!
