Fast Claim Processing Tips and Tricks for Property Damage
Home insurance can help rebuild or repair your home after a disaster. The insurance company, your roofing contractor, and the homeowner's actions determine how fast the claim and repair occur. Below are a few tips if you want your home to regain its pre-disaster state fast.
Document the Damage
The insurance company expects you to prove the nature and extent of the damages as part of the claim processing. Document the damage to get evidence you can use to prove your losses to the insurance company.
The best way to document the damages is to take clear, comprehensive pictures or video footage. Ideally, the pictures or videos should have timestamps so you can prove when you took them. For example, if a windstorm has damaged the windows, doors, and roof section, ensure your pictures show all that damage, and you can prove you took them after the storm.
Mitigate the Damage
The insurance company expects you to take reasonable measures to prevent further damages after the initial ones. Damage mitigation measures include:
- Boarding up windows to prevent further water and debris intrusion
- Spreading a tarp on the roof to prevent water leaks
- Turning off the water supply to prevent further water damage due to damaged plumbing
Damage mitigation makes sense because there is no reason to allow preventable damage because the insurance company will compensate for it. The insurance company may require more time to investigate the claim if you don't mitigate the damage. The rationale is that the insurance company should not pay for damages your actions triggered.
Inform the Insurance Company
All insurance companies require you to inform them immediately after a disaster. Prompt notification is necessary for two main reasons:
- The notification allows the insurance company to investigate the damage while the evidence is still fresh
- The notification allows the insurance company to start processing your claim early
Remember, insurance companies process claims on a first-come-first-serve basis. Thus, starting your claim process early puts your file first in the claim-processing queue.
Get Repair Quotes
The insurance company will send someone to inspect and verify the damage. Cooperate with the insurance adjuster for a smooth process. In many cases, the insurance adjuster will need the opinion of a professional contractor. For example, you cannot claim that your house needs a new roof without a roofing contractor's option. The adjuster might argue for repair instead.
Get the Insurance Company's Approval
You can have a contractor present during the adjuster's visit. That way, the adjuster gets first-hand damage information on the spot. The two may agree on what needs fixing on the same day and hasten the repair process.
However, you can also have the adjuster inspect the damage before the adjuster arrives. Whichever option you choose, expect your insurance company to work with the contractor to determine the necessary repairs. Many contractors work with insurance companies to limit the inconvenience for homeowners.
Commission the Repair
Allow the contractor to start the repairs only after the insurance company approves the claim. Otherwise, the insurance company might not recognize part of your claim. In addition, stick to the scope of work you agreed on with the insurance company unless you are willing to pay extra.
You may reopen your claim if the contractor discovers additional damage during the repair. Again, the insurance company will only pay for the additional repairs if the damage stems from the initial disaster.
No matter how well you handle the claim process, you will only get the deserved compensation if you have good coverage. Contact The Policy Center for advice and quotes on the most suitable insurance package. We have been in the insurance industry since 1986, and you can rely on our vast experience to give you the best insurance solutions.
