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If someone has become injured on your property or
if a violent storm destroys your home, you will need to file a claim
with your insurance company. Remember, a homeowners policy is a contract
between you and your insurance company. And there are rules and
procedures that you and your insurer must follow. Read your insurance
policy to see what your responsibilities are.
Report any crime to the police
If you are the victim of a theft or your home has been vandalized or
burglarized, report it to the police. Get a police report and the names
of all law enforcement officers that you speak with.
Phone your agent or company immediately
Insurance policies place a time limit on filing claims. Find out what
the time limit is. Ask questions: Am I covered? Does my claim exceed my
deductible? (Your deductible is the amount of loss you agree to pay
yourself when you buy a policy.) How long will it take to process my
claim? Will I need to obtain estimates for repairs to structural damage?
Make temporary repairs
Take reasonable steps to protect your property from further damage. Save
receipts for what you spend and submit them to your insurance company
for reimbursement.
Prepare a list of lost or damaged articles
You are going to need to substantiate your loss. Avoid throwing out
damaged items until the adjuster has visited your home. You should also
consider photographing or videotaping the damage. Prepare a home
inventory, make a copy for your adjuster and supply him or her with
copies of receipts from damaged items.
If you need to relocate, keep your receipts
If your home is severely damaged and you need to find other
accommodations while repairs are being made, keep records of all
additional expenses incurred. Most homeowners insurance policies provide
coverage for the “loss of use” of your home.
Get claim forms
Once your insurance company has been notified of your claim, the company
is required to send you the necessary claim forms to you by the end of a
specified time period. (The time period varies from state to state.)
Return the properly filled out forms as soon as possible in order to
avoid delays.
Have an adjuster inspect the damage to your home
Your insurance company will probably arrange for an adjuster to come and
inspect your home.
Once you and your insurance company agree on the terms of your
settlement, state laws require that you be sent payment promptly. In
most cases, your claim will be processed quickly. If you have any
questions about the claim filing laws in your state, call your insurance
agent or your state department of insurance.
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