The homeowners’ insurance claims process often comes with extra stress and uncertainty. You may be wondering how does a home insurance claim work. Filing a claim with your insurance company means something unexpected has happened to your home, causing loss or damage. Getting your life back to normal is your top priority and ours too.
How to file a home insurance claim
Knowing how a home insurance claim works gives you an idea of what to expect. You can create a plan when filing a home insurance claim and relieve some of the hassle and uncertainty. Here’s a handy checklist of what to do and what to expect when filing a homeowners insurance claim.
The homeowners claim filing checklist is your to-do list to help you through the claims process.
Claims Reporting Checklist
Contact your insurance agent to report your claim. They will help guide you through the process of how a home insurance claim works and help you understand what to expect.
REPORT
- Think safety first – contact police or emergency personnel if there are any injuries or a crime.
- Call your insurance agent or insurance company.
- Have the name of the policyholder and policy number available when you call.
- Provide details and facts related to the damages and loss.
RECORD
- Be sure to write down the claims number you are assigned.
- Get the name and contact information of the Claims Handler or Adjuster assigned to your case.
- Ask for written confirmation about the details of the conversations with your insurance agent or claims adjuster. An email works fine for this.
PROTECT
- Protect damaged areas.
- Provide a secure and safe zone around the damaged area.
- Check for safety, such as structural integrity and electrical safety.
- Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage.
DOCUMENT
- Make a list of damages so that you will not forget items you want to discuss with the insurance adjuster.
- Use home inventory records for damaged items.
- Take photos or video of the damages.
- Keep all damaged items until after the insurance adjuster has made their inspection.
- Get estimates and quotes for repairs.
TRACK
- Establish a timeline with your insurance agent or claims handler for repairs.
- Keep a folder with all records, receipts, and documentation.
- Maintain contact with your insurance agent or claims handler for updates on the progress of your claim.
- Ask your Claims Adjuster if there’s a way to track your claim online.
Communication is an essential aspect of filing a claim. You can depend on your local independent insurance agent to listen, and help you stay informed. They can guide you through how to file a home insurance claim.
At Colby Insurance Group, we listen to your unique claims situation and work to understand it. We advocate for you to make sure your insurance provider handles your claim efficiently and properly.
Homeowners insurance claims tips
Here are some homeowners insurance claim tips to make this process easier:
- File your home insurance claim as soon as you can.
- Keep all documents and communications together.
- Don’t be afraid to ask your insurance agent questions if you need clarification.
- You can make temporary repairs to stop further damage like fixing leaks or a hole in the roof.
- Follow up regularly and check in with your adjuster about your claim.
- Be honest and detailed when you give clear and accurate information about losses.
How long does a home insurance quote take?
Several factors determine how quickly the insurance company pays your claim. It can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks or even a little over a month. This is why you should file a home insurance claim as quickly as possible. One main determining factor is which state you file your claim in.
After accepting a claim, each state must pay it within a timeframe set by state law. For example, once a claim is accepted, the State of New Hampshire has five days to pay the claim. The State of Vermont has ten days to pay the claim.
The process of accepting the final terms of the claim has several steps. Once you file a claim, the company will review it.
Home insurance claim process
The following steps are part of the claims review process. The steps for this home insurance claims process may vary depending on the claim.
- You’ll be assigned a claims number and a claims adjuster.
- Gather data, and conduct interviews with you and others, if there were any, involved in the claim.
- Collect photos and information regarding the claim.
- Get estimates for the damages.
- Pay your deductible.
Does filing a home insurance claim hurt you?
When filing a home insurance claim, it may mean your insurance premiums will increase. Insurance companies are in the business of managing risk, so they tend to react when the risk goes up. The insurance company wants security in knowing you’re managing risk as best as possible. Your premium increases may reflect that.
For example, a large fire claim will likely result in a higher premium increase than a claim due to storm damage. Other factors also come into play. Ultimately, filing large or frequent claims could result in increased premiums.
What if my home insurance claim is denied?
To know who accepts or denies your claim, you need to understand the roles of your agent and insurance company. Your agent’s role is different from the insurance company’s role.
The role of your insurance agent
Your agent will help guide you through the home insurance claims process and advocate for you. When working with an independent insurance agency, you get help from an agent who isn’t tied to one company. They can offer you more choices and better fit your needs.
Your agent is not the same as the insurance company. They’re essentially the middle person in the process.
The role of your insurance company
Your insurance policy is underwritten by the insurance company named on your policy. The terms insurance company and insurance carrier are used interchangeably. They are the ones who will decide to accept or deny your claim based on the terms of your policy.
Review the terms of your policy with your agent.
Insurance is not a blanket agreement to pay all losses all the time for undetermined amounts. Your policy is a contract with the insurance company. It tells you which losses the policy covers and what the policy payout limit is for each.
Understanding the terms of your policy is the first step in understanding how a home insurance claim works. You’ll understand if you have a valid claim. It is up to you to provide the information the insurance company requires to process the claim.
Provide the following information when you file your home insurance claim.
- Show evidence of loss.
- Provide contact information if others are involved.
- Establish proof of ownership.
- Note times and dates.
- Keep records of the details throughout the claims process.
You must do your best to provide the insurance company with the information necessary to process the claim. Nothing is guaranteed when you file a claim until the insurance company makes its final determination. If they deny your claim, they disagree with you on whether you have a legitimate claim.
First, talk to your agent, so you understand why your claim was denied. If they feel you have a legitimate claim, they can try to advocate on your behalf. Your agent’s input might not impact the final decision, but it will let the company know you disagree with their claim. It will also help you better understand why your claim was denied.
Filing an insurance claim appeal
Filing a home insurance claim appeal is the next step if you feel you have a legitimate claim. Here are some steps to follow:
- File your appeal before the appeal deadline.
- Hire your own licensed public insurance adjuster. One that does not work for the insurance company.
- If the public insurance adjuster
- Consult with a lawyer.
- Keep complete and accurate records.
- Plan to negotiate your claim with solid evidence and information.
It’s frustrating and disappointing when an insurarance company denies your claim. If you feel the terms of your policy cover the claim, you should advocate for yourself. If you have any questions throughout the process, consult with your agent. They will act as your advisor and advocate.
Knowing the steps involved in filing an insurance claim can make the process feel less confusing. Understanding what to do if your claim is denied can also help you feel more prepared. The good thing is with an independent insurance agent you’ll have someone to guide you and advocate for you along the way.
