How to claim on your home insurance

Unfortunately, your home and your possessions within your home have been damaged as the result of a disaster. You have never made a claim before, so you may not know where to turn or what to do. The policy document that you received when you bought your home insurance should clearly explain the procedure you are required to follow and the documentation you need to show in order to make a successful and valid claim. It is important that you follow these requirements exactly, and that you make a claim as soon as the damage occurs.

Telephone Your Insurance Company

The first thing you will want to do is telephone your provider immediately. You may find the telephone number in your policy handbook. Calling your insurance company allows you to speak directly to a customer service representative who will be able to answer any questions you may have. He will ask you questions about the disaster and the damage, and you may be required to give information over the phone so that they may determine if it is valid or not, such as a crime reference number in the event of a theft or burglary, your policy number and an estimate of the cost of loss or damage.

Your insurance company may settle your claim immediately if it is a small amount. Larger claims may result in the insurance company assigning an adjuster to come to your home and evaluate the damage. This way, the insurer can verify that the cost of the damage is, in fact, what you say. Before the insurance company will settle your claim, however, you will be required to pay the excess amount listed in your policy.

Provide Documentation

Again, consult your policy handbook for instructions regarding what documentation you will need to provide in order to file a home insurance cover claim correctly. Make sure that you follow the procedure to ensure that your claim is processed as efficiently and quickly as possible. If the damage occurred to a high-value item, for example, you may need to show receipts, photographic evidence or valuations to prove the worth of the item. Additionally, keep notes about the incident such as when the damage occurred and the extent of the damage. Use receipts, instruction manuals, invoices or photographs to document the home or belongings that you are claiming. You should also be able to show documentation supporting the date which you bought the item and from whom you bought it if you are claiming items under your contents insurance policy.

Settling Your Claim

The insurance company will settle your claim by paying to repair, rebuild or replace the items or structures that were damaged, so long as the damage was caused by an incident that is covered under your policy. The insurance company may give you money to replace the item yourself, they may replace the item as new, offer to repair the item or award you with cash that was in the same amount or less than the cost of replacing or repairing the item.

Click here for a home insurance price comparison!

Copyright Mary Carroway 2012 All Rights Reserved