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Estate Blog
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Supreme Manor
Real Estate Services
Tips for Filing Home Insurance Claims
Consumers purchase homeowners insurance to protect their
property financially from natural disasters, theft, fires and other damage.
Thankfully, homeowners claims must rarely be filed. When they are, the process
can be confusing—and even a little tricky. The following tips should be of assistance in filing a
homeowners insurance claim:
1. Notify your homeowners insurance company or agent of your loss
immediately.
This helps the company start the process necessary to handle
your claim. In some cases, smaller claims are handled and settled directly by
your insurance agent. When speaking to your insurance agent, get the name and
contact information for the individual in the adjusting department who will be
helping you with your claim.
2. If emergency repairs are necessary, ask your insurance company
for a list of approved companies authorized to make emergency repairs to your
property.
In some cases, the company doing the repairs can bill the
homeowners insurance company directly. Be sure to get the necessary paperwork
from the insurance company for this type of repair.
3. Methodically document the damage to your property.
It is very beneficial to document all the contents of your home
now before a disaster hits. Take
pictures and videos of all rooms, closet, garage and storage areas. When a disaster occurs take current pictures
and/or videos of the effected area. This will include even writing down what happened so you can
present this information to the insurance adjuster. If at all possible, have
any items that can demonstrate the value of the damaged property available,
such as receipts. It is also helpful to have witness accounts, police reports
and reports from the fire department, if applicable.
4. Document all contact you have with the insurance company in as
much detail as possible.
Get names and contact information from everyone you speak to
about your claim. Any documentation of conversations with your home insurance
company may come in handy if there is a dispute later.
5. When the home insurance adjuster is inspecting your property,
make sure you are present.
This will enable you to point out damage the adjuster may have
missed and take notes regarding the adjuster's comments and actions.
6. Do not agree to your insurance company's final settlement until
you are satisfied that settlement is fair.
Get a second or third opinion from a local contractor, if
necessary. If you think your insurance company is trying to take advantage of
you, contact your state department of insurance.
I hope this information is useful.
Should you need assistance with any of your real estate needs,
please contact Supreme Manor Real Estate Services 773-881-9224. Feel free to visit us on our website or any
of our social media sites.
Have a Supreme Day!
Sheila M. Wilkinson-Sanders
Managing Broker/Owner - CPA, GRI, CNC
Supreme Manor Real Estate Services
1840 West 95th Street
Chicago, IL 60643
(773) 785-0127 Direct
(773) 797-9640 (fax)
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