Home impaired, Insurance trapped! How to file a claim?
Your dream home! This is the place where relaxation is found, the family lives with laughter and happiness. But suddenly there is a natural disaster or an accident, then this house can also be destroyed. Broken doors, dripping roof, scattered goods ... In such a situation the mind is bound to panic. But there is no need to panic, because you have a support like home insurance!
But it is not enough to get insurance. The real magic is when the claim is easily found when needed. So if your house has suffered any damage, then there is absolutely no need to panic. This will teach you the first chapter - how to file home insurance claim (How to File a Home Insurance Claim).
Step 1: Inform immediately
If there is any damage to the house, then the first step is to inform your insurance company as soon as possible (Informm Immedited). Delay can stop your claim. Most companies give you 24 to 72 hours to file claims.
You can file a claim by calling your insurance company, filling the online form through the website or by contacting your insurance agent. While giving information, you have to give your policy number and details of the incident.
Remember:
If there is a police report of the incident, then keep it as well. (In case of theft or sabotage)
If there is a disaster like fire, then Fire Brigade Report can also be necessary.
Step 2: Documentation of loss
Document the damage is very important while filing the claim. The more evidence you give, the sooner your claim will be approved.
Take photos and videos (photos and videos): Take good quality pictures and videos of broken furniture, doors, windows, cracks in walls, dripping roofs etc.
Make a list of loss (Make a list of damages): Write in detail all kinds of damage done in the house.
Save Receipts: If you have done the initial work of some kind of repair yourself, then keep their receipts.
Note:
Wait for the arrival of Claim Adjuster of the insurance company before throwing or removing the damaged goods.
Take permission of the insurance company before doing permanent repair work.
Step 3: Stay calm and cooperate
Damage to the house is a stressful situation, but during this time it is necessary to remain calm and cooperate with the insurance company.
When the Claim Adjuster comes to your house, answer all their questions in detail.
Let them inspect the whole house
Present evidence (present evidence): Show evidence of damage to the claim adjuster, such as photos, videos, receipts etc.
Do not hesitate to ask questions: If you do not understand anything, then do not hesitate to ask the Claim Adjuster.
Remember:
Claim Adjuster's job is to assess the loss, so it is necessary to cooperate with them.
If you feel that the insurance company is not handling your claim properly, then you can contact your insurance agent or insurance company customer service department.
Step 4: Fill the claim statement
After the Claim Adjuster comes home, you have to fill a claim statement. In this form, you have to give a detailed description of the loss, as well as you will also have to fill your policy number, contact information and other necessary details.
Note:
Fill the claim statement carefully and do not make any mistake.
If you do not have any information, ask the Claim Adjuster.
Step 5: Follow the claim process
After depositing the claim statement, the insurance company will process your claim. During this time you have to cooperate with the insurance company and keep taking updates from time to time.
Remember:
Claim process may take some time.
If you are having any problem in the claim process, contact the insurance company.
The claim is approved, what to do now?
The claim is approved! You must have been relieved to hear this. Now you have the amount received from the insurance company, so that you can get your house repaired. But it is also important to know how to use this amount.
Step 1: Talk to insurance company
After the claim is approved, first you should talk to your insurance company. Ask them how much you are getting and how can it be used.
Know some important things:
Coverage Limit: There is a cover limit in your insurance policy, which tells how much the insurance company can pay.
Deductable: Didicable is the amount that you have to suffer, only then the insurance company gives the rest of the amount.
Reimbursment: In some cases, the insurance company may pay the repair cost, meaning you have to repair first and then the insurance company will give you the money.
Step 2: Make a repair plan
After the claim is approved, you have to plan a repair. This involves deciding which repair to get and what kind of repair to get.
Some suggestions:
Get Quotes: Get Quotes from various contractors for repair.
Compare Materials: Compare the options of different content and choose the best option.
Set a repair time (Set a Repair Timeline): Set a time limit for repair.
Step 3: Start repair work
After making a repair plan, you can start repair work. If you have chosen the option of rimbersment, first get the repair done and then submit the receipts and documents to the insurance company.
Remember:
Keep taking photos and videos during repair.
Keep all the receipts and documents.
Step 4: Update to the insurance company
During the repair, keep giving updates to the insurance company from time to time. Tell them how much repair work has been done and how much is left.
Note:
If there is any change during repair, inform the insurance company.
If you feel that the insurance company is not handling your claim properly, you can contact your insurance agent or the customer service department of the insurance company.
Step 5: Inform the Insurance Company on completion of repair work
On completion of repair work, inform the insurance company. You have to submit them repair receipts and documents.
Remember:
The insurance company will check your documents.
If everything is fine, then you will get the remaining amount from the insurance company.
Claim is not approved, what to do now?
Claim did not accept! You may be disappointed to hear this. But there is no need to panic, because you still have some options.
Step 1: Talk to Claim Adjuster
If your claim is not approved, then first you should talk to the claim adjuster. Ask them why your claim has not been approved and what you can do.
Some possibilities:
Loss Exceed Coverage Limit: If your loss is more than the cover limit, the insurance company cannot give you full amount.
Less is less than deedutible: If your loss is less than deductable, the insurance company will not give you any amount.
Violation of Policy Terms: If you have violated your policy rules, the insurance company cannot accept your claim.
Step 2: Request a reconsideration of the claim adjuster's decision
If you feel that the decision of the claim adjuster is wrong, then you can request them to reconsider. For this, you have to present your arguments and try to gather more evidence.
Step 3: Contact the Insurance Company's Customer Service Department
If the Claim Adjuster does not listen to you, then you can contact the insurance company's customer service department. They will listen to your problem and try to help you.
Step 4: Contact the insurance intermediary
If the insurance company does not accept your claim, you can contact an insurance mediator. Insurance intermediary is a third side that mediates between the insurance company and the insured.
Step 5: Seek legal advice
If the insurance company does not accept your claim and you are not able to solve any solution, then you should seek legal advice from a lawyer. The lawyer can tell you what you can do and do you have any legal options.
Remember:
The claim should not be panicked even if not approved.
Your problem can be solved.
You should be aware of your rights and fight for your rights.
What do not make mistakes during claim process?
By making some mistakes during the claim process, your claim may not be approved or you can get less amount. So to avoid these mistakes, keep in mind the following things:
Mistake 1: Delaying claim filing
The sooner you file the claim, the sooner your claim will be processed. By delay, your claim may stop or may not be approved.
Mistake 2: Not providing accurate account details of the loss
It is very important to give correct details of the loss while filling the claim statement. Giving wrong information cannot be approved by your claim.
Mistake 3: Not documenting loss
Documentation of damage is very important. Keep photos, videos and receipts.
Mistake 4: Doing the Repair Work Yourself
Doing repair work yourself cannot be approved by your claim. Get repair work done only after taking permission from the insurance company.
Mistake 5: Not Cooperating with the Insurance Company
It is very important to cooperate with the insurance company during the claim process. Answer all their questions in detail and follow their instructions.
Mistake 6: Arguing with Claim Adjuster
Arguing with Claim Adjuster cannot approve your claim. If you do not understand anything, then explain it peacefully.
Mistake 7: Not Keeping Your Insurance Company updated
During the repair, keep giving updates to the insurance company from time to time.
Mistake 8: Submitting False Documents
Submission of fake documents is a serious offense. If you are caught, your claim will not be approved and you can face legal action.
To avoid these mistakes, work carefully and cooperate with the insurance company.
What precautions to take during claim process?
By taking some precautions during the claim process, your claim can be easily approved and you can get the full amount.
Caution 1: Understand the conditions of the policy
Read and understand the terms of your insurance policy carefully. Know what is the cover in your policy and what not.
Caution 2: Evaluate the loss correctly
Evaluate the loss correctly and give the correct information to the insurance company.
Caution 3: Collection of documents
Collect photos, videos, receipts and other documents as proof of loss.
Caution 4: Choose a reliable contractor for repair for repair
Choose a reliable contractor for repair, which meets the requirements of the insurance company.
Caution 5: Maintaining contact with insurance company
Maintain contact with the insurance company during the claim process and keep giving them updates from time to time.
Caution 6: Question the insurance company's decision
If you feel that the decision of the insurance company is wrong, then question it and exercise your rights.
Caution 7: Seek legal advice
If you are facing any problem, seek legal advice from a lawyer.
Keeping these precautions in mind, you can make the claim process easier and get your money on time.
