Guide to submitting a successful property insurance claim.

Property insurance, like homeowners insurance, for example, covers your property and belongings in the event of damage or theft. Therefore, if your property suffers damage from a fire or storm, you’ll need to submit an insurance claim. Likewise, in case of stolen or vandalized property, submitting an insurance claim will also be necessary.

However, before submitting a property insurance claim, look over your policy. You’ll be able to ensure coverage for the damage you’re claiming. It’s also a good idea to get familiar with specific policy details like your deductible and how your payout is calculated. Finally, sometimes policy language is a little unclear. Therefore, consider hiring a public adjuster to help out with submitting your insurance claim.

Once you know your insurance covers your damage or loss, it’s time to submit a claim with your insurance company. Most insurance companies have a time limit to file claims. For example, some insurers might require you to submit your claim within a year of the incident.

Meanwhile, others have a six-month time frame. Read on ahead to learn more about the entire property insurance submitting process.

How to Submit an Insurance Claim?

Calling your insurance company may not be the first thing you think to do after a fire, storm, theft, disaster. But suppose you do think you have coverage for the damage. In that case, it’s important to notify your insurer as quickly as possible. This is both for safety reasons and to begin the claim process.

When you call your insurance company, be sure to have as many details as possible about what caused the loss. Although it’s important to be honest on your claim, you need to be careful not to suggest the loss is your fault. Doing so could significantly impact the outcome of your claim.

Moreover, remember that the property insurance claim filing process tends to vary a bit. It usually depends on the insurance company and the type of claim you’re submitting. Regardless, there are few steps that you’ll generally want to go through with.

First, Filing a Police Report

Not all insurance claims must be reported to local authorities. For example, wind damage is certainly not an appropriate reason to contact the police. But suppose criminal activity is the cause for the damage or loss. In that case, you need to get the authorities involved as soon as possible. For instance, if fire or vandalism caused the damage, call the police. Likewise, if someone suffers an injury on your property.

When the authorities arrive, ensure to share all pertinent details of the events, including testimonies. Also, make sure to know the name of the policemen who assisted you and keep copies of their reports. You will need those when submitting your insurance claim.

Second, Contact your Insurance Company

Your next call should be to your insurance company or agent. In fact, most policies require that the insurance company be notified promptly after any damage, loss or injury. Although that doesn’t necessarily mean immediately, the sooner you call, the sooner the recovery process will begin. Moreover, your insurer will specify how you need to report your damage or loss.

In addition to calling your insurance company or insurance agent directly, some insurers let you submit a claim online or app. However, unless you’re making a minor claim, it’s probably best to speak directly with a company representative.

Be sure to read through your policy before making the call, so you have an idea of what is and isn’t covered. Also find out what additional coverages you might be entitled to. As mentioned before, hiring a public adjuster is a great way to get an explanation of benefits to better understand your policy.

A public adjuster can even help you determine if you need to submit an insurance claim at all. For instance, suppose you have a minor claim where the cost of your loss is less than your deductible. Then, it’s probably best not to submit a claim.

When you’re ready to notify your insurer of the damage, have a copy of the policy. Also have a list of questions at hand. Describe the damage, and confirm whether or not you’re covered. Don’t be shy with questions, and try to get a clear picture of what’s ahead.

Then, Fill Out the Claim Forms. This is Crucial When You Submit an Insurance Claim

After notifying your insurance company, filling out the claims documents is the next part of the claim. For example, one of the documents you’ll likely need to fill out is your proof-of-loss form. You’ll provide:

• Your personal information.
• The cause of the loss.
• The part of your property you’re claiming a loss on.
• The estimated loss amount.

Make sure you submit photo or video evidence of the damage at this time. Furthermore, in case of damaged or stolen property, provide receipts, a list, or a property inventory to confirm the value and ownership of the items. It will improve your chances of getting fully reimbursed.

Document Every Step of Your Property Insurance Claim Process

Keep records of every phone call and conversation you have through your insurance claim process. Start from the event that triggered the claim. Doing so can help negotiate settlements and accelerate the claim. Remember to include the date of conversations and the names of the people you talk to. From police officers to insurance company representatives to contractors who provide estimates. Make sure to also take brief notes of the topics discussed and keep track of emails and texts.

Meanwhile, Make Temporary Repairs

Insurance claims generally don’t cover further damage that resulted from the aftermath of the original incident. So you’ll want to make sure that any openings or damage to the structure won’t result in more loss. For example, if you notice a leak, make temporary repairs and hold onto the receipts.

Most insurance companies reimburse you the cost of these repairs. However, avoid throwing out damaged items until the adjuster has visited your home. Also make sure to inform your insurer of these temporary fixes.

After You Submit an Insurance Claim, Prepare for the Insurance Adjuster’s Visit.

Depending on the type of damage, your claim may also require a visit from the insurance adjuster. Specially so, for claims involving damage to the structure of your home. The adjuster’s role is to assess the damage and confirm several details before reimbursement can proceed.

The inspection may include but isn’t limited to verifying coverage, inspecting the structure, collecting necessary documentation, and conducting thorough interviews. Be prepared to show the adjuster any structural damage. Also have a list of damaged items ready so you can make the best use of the time. The top goals of the adjuster are estimating damage and avoiding insurance fraud.

Obtain Your Own Repair or Rebuild Estimates

Insurance adjusters are often quite friendly, reassuring, and comforting. However, remember they work for the insurance company, and they are there to benefit the insurer. For this reason, you’ll want to get your damage estimates to make sure the settlement offer is according to the damage.

Having repair or rebuild estimates from licensed contractors or a public adjuster could give leverage, Specially if your insurance company low-balls your settlement amount. If possible, ask your contractor or adjuster for an itemized bill.

Finally, You’ll Receive the Claim Payout and Complete Repairs.

Once your claim is approved, and you and the adjuster have agreed to the settlement amount, you’ll receive the insurance payout. Suppose you have a mortgage on your property. In that case, the insurance company issues the payment to the lender that is listed on the insurance plan. They will then endorse the check and give you the green light for the repairs process to begin.

Moreover, if you’re insured for personal property at its replacement cost, you’ll usually receive a check for the properties’ actual cash value. After you replace the property, you’ll receive the remaining amount.