You probably hope you’ll never need your homeowners insurance. But if disaster strikes and your home is damaged, you may need to file a claim to receive an insurance settlement for covered losses.

Here’s what to do, and what to know, about filing a homeowners insurance claim.

Call your insurance agent as soon as possible to report what happened and the extent of the damage. Some policies require notification within a certain timeframe, so don’t delay. Your agent will explain your options and file your claim, and an adjuster will be sent to your home to assess the damage.

Document your losses and expenses. You can do this by:

• Taking pictures and/or video of the damage (as long as it’s safe to do so)
• Making a list of the damage to your home and belongings
• Keeping receipts of any living expenses you incur if you’re forced out of your home, so you can submit them for possible reimbursement
   

Make emergency repairs. To prevent further damage, think about what temporary, inexpensive repairs you might be able to safely make. If, for example, a pipe is broken, call a plumber right away. Make sure to save your receipts in case your policy covers emergency repair costs – and remember to ask about them when filing your claim.

Get repair estimates from multiple contractors, and be sure to work with a reputable company. Unfortunately, scammers often surface following a large disaster, so it’s important to verify contractor credentials and reviews. If a contractor tells you it will cost more to rebuild your home or repair the damage than the insurance adjuster’s original estimate, let your insurance agent know.

Note: If you have a mortgage, you and your mortgage lender may be named on the settlement check. Your lender might hold the funds in an escrow account until the contractor needs to be paid.

Some claims can be resolved quickly, while others can take months. Being prepared and organized can help the process go more smoothly.

Tips to speed up the claims process

Keeping your insurance policy updated and maintaining a home inventory can be beneficial in the event of damage to your home. Importantly, those are things you need to do before disaster strikes. They may take some time now, but could save you a lot of hassle in the long run.

To make a home inventory, document your belongings by going through your home and taking a video of what you own. Include each item’s value and the serial numbers of appliances, if possible. Make sure you keep your inventory somewhere you can easily access it – even if your home is destroyed.

Get a Quote from Bell Insurance

If you’re looking for the best insurance coverage for your situation at an affordable rate, contact Bell Insurance. We’re happy to provide a free, no-obligation quote and tell you how much you could save by switching to Bell.