4 Steps to File a Property Insurance Claim

4 Steps to File a Property Insurance Claim

It's tempting to put off taking action and let the insurance provider handle the situation when your home sustains damage. And we get it; dealing with property damage can be overwhelming. However, you want to trust our public claims adjuster in Orlando, FL on this; the claims process isn't as easy as it would seem. You, the policyholder, and owner of the insured property, must initiate the claim process with your insurance company. These are important steps you need to take to file your property insurance claim.

Notify Your Insurance Company Right Away

It would be best if you got in touch with your insurance company as soon as possible after a loss has occurred to file a claim. Reach out to them immediately if you can. You may have to call the insurance provider directly if no local representatives are available. But be sure to write down the title and name of the person you spoke with. Finally, you should send a follow-up letter to the insurance company to confirm that you have contacted them and filed a claim.

Protect Your Property

In the aftermath of a loss, it is your responsibility to take reasonable measures to safeguard your property as outlined in your policy. If your roof has been damaged by a fire, a heavy downpour could make the situation worse. Under the terms of your insurance, you have an obligation to take reasonable steps to mitigate any further damage. Inadequate property protection could cast doubt on your entire claim and make the adjuster wary and suspicious.

Substantiate Your Losses

You must provide evidence of your financial losses during this period. This necessitates keeping broken possessions inside the house until an insurance adjuster can assess their worth. A photographic record of the destruction will serve as a helpful reminder of the events in the house. Walk around your property and take lots of photos from different angles. When communicating with insurance adjusters and, of course, your agent, it's a good idea to compile an inventory of your home's possessions. Do this both before and after the claim.

This guarantees that everything will be replaced and that you won't have to shell out cash for things meant to be covered by your insurance policy.

Don't Get Rid of Anything Until the Insurance Company Has Looked at It

You will be asking the insurance company to pay for the worth of damaged items. If you were in their shoes, you would also plan to inspect the items before disposal properly. So, this is crucial, and many people forget to do this. The insurance company still needs to pay out if the insured item has been lost or stolen and cannot be located. Keep in mind that it will be more challenging but not impossible to reclaim any missing items. Keep the broken items too. And see if your insurer will take your destroyed or damaged belongings or if there is a time limit on disposing of them.

If the insurance company doesn't tell you what to do, send a letter telling them when you'll throw out the property if you don't hear from them. A deadline of sixty days sounds fair, but you should send the letter by registered mail to ensure its delivery.

These are important steps to take when you are filing a property insurance claim with your homeowners’ insurance carrier. If you are looking for an advocate through this process, trust our public claims adjuster in Orlando, FL to help today!

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