Did you know that about one in 35 insured homes has a property damage claim related to wind or hail each year?
When you experience property damage caused by a hurricane, tornado, or straight-up bad weather, it’s difficult to think about it. You want to clean and fix as much damage as you can, but your first concern should make sure you can recover financially from the damage that occurred.
Your next concern should be how to file a property damage claim with the proper authority in your area.
Read on to know the tips on filing a property damage claim.
Document the Damage
You can document the damage by taking photos or videos of the damage, or by keeping a detailed written account. Be sure to date all your documentation so that your insurance company can see how long the damage has been present.
It’s also important to document any repairs that you’ve already made. Keep receipts, invoices, or other documentation of the work that you’ve done. This will help your insurance company understand the extent of the damage and the cost of repairs.
Filing a claim can be a lengthy and complicated process. By taking the time to document the damage, you can help ensure that they process your claim quickly and let an insurance adjuster assess the damages before you submit a property damage claim.
Get Estimates for Repairs
If you need to file a home insurance claim, the first step is to get estimates for the repairs. This will help you determine the cost of the repairs and whether you can afford to pay for them out of pocket. If you have insurance, you will need to contact your insurer to see if they will cover the cost of the repairs.
Once you have the estimates, you can then proceed with filing the claim.
Know What Your Insurance Policy Covers
It’s important to know what your home insurance policy covers. Some policies only cover damage caused by certain events, such as fires or storms. Others may have limits on how much they will pay out.
And some policies may not cover damage caused by neglect or poor maintenance.
Contact Your Insurance Company
If you have comprehensive insurance, contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the damage occurs. Be sure to have the following information ready: your policy number, a description of the damage, when the damage occurred, and the estimated cost of repairs.
If you have questions, your insurance agent or company representative should be able to help you.
File Your Property Damage Claim Now
If you need to file a property damage claim, there are a few things you can do to make the process go smoothly. Some tips that you can take into consideration are the following. Contact your insurance company, document the damage, and get estimates for repairs.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your claim is processed quickly and efficiently.
For more home insurance claim-related articles, check out the rest of our blogs.
