Filing A Claim

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• Report a burglary or theft to the police immediately.
  
  
• Make a list of stolen or damaged property.
  
  
• Review your insurance coverage before reporting a claim and notify your insurer as soon as possible.
  
  
• Meet the insurance adjuster to survey the damage. Offer any documentation you have to support your claim.
  
  
• Photograph damage to your home or property.
  
  
• Make only temporary repairs that help prevent further damage to your property. Do not allow contractors to make permanent repairs until your claims adjuster has inspected the damage.
  
  
• Keep receipts of materials and repairs made for reimbursement.
  
  
• Complete any paperwork your insurer sends you quickly and completely and make copies.
  
  
• Document any conversations you have with your insurer, contractors, estimators or anyone else associated with your claim.
  
  
• If you have to move out of your home due to a disaster, keep receipts of your expenses.

In the case of a major hurricane or other widespread disaster, insurance adjusters may be under a strict deadline from state officials to see everyone who has filed a claim within a certain time period. In this case, adjusters may provide a rough estimate of damages and give you an initial check. If more damage is discovered later, you can submit an amended claim.

Consumer Rights

For disagreements beyond this point, most policies allow for an independent appraisal of the loss. Both you and the insurance company would hire independent appraisers who select a mediator. The decision of these experts is typically binding. You and your insurer will share the expense of the mediator. Some companies prefer to hire an arbiter, who listens to both sides and makes a binding decision.

If your claim is not settled to your satisfaction, contact your state’s department of insurance.