Home Insurance Claims: How to do it Properly

​I think nobody is happy when they are making a home insurance claim. Why? Because that probably means something bad has happened to their house. Well, companies designed home insurances to cover for the damages, but, how do you make the claims? Here are some of the pointers you should take and remember:

1. Report your Claim & Assignment

• Call Your Insurer. Get in touch with your insurer as soon as possible. It’s their job to handle these cases, whether big or small. They would usually give you 180 days to claim your home insurance. Remember, delaying a claim could make matters worse. And besides, you’ll need it to get back on your feet.
• Make your Claim. There are two kinds of coverages for home insurances:

           - Dwelling Coverage (Property/Building Coverage)
             It covers the damage to your house (including the floors, walls, and any                       built-in appliances), and attached structures (e.g., garage)

           - Contents Coverage (Personal Property Coverage)
             It covers financial losses from theft or damage to your possessions kept                     inside. It includes vehicles, electronics, and appliances.

2. Initial Contact & Evaluation

• Estimate the repairs. Your insurer will bring in an adjuster to estimate and assess the damage to your house. They will also provide you an estimate for the repairs.
• Hire a Contractor. You may choose from the list of private contractors the insurance company has provided for you. If you prefer to contact another contractor, it is also welcome.

3. Resolution

• Make Repair Payments. Once they have processed your claim, your insurer will advise you of the results. At this point, either the contractor or you will receive cheques from your insurer. You can receive either payment in full or installments.

4. Claim Closed

• Complete Repairs. Once they have received the cheques, repairs will commence as soon as possible.

It is best to outfit your home with security devices that are sanctioned by your insurer to avoid home insurance claims. These include alarms, cameras, and ground fault circuit breakers. Remember not to leave your home unoccupied for more than two months, as it may not get covered. 

In your policy, add coverage for natural disasters. Also, try not to make small claims that you could easily settle on your own. It could add to your regular premiums. 

File your claim the soonest possible time, and if you need to make temporary or emergency repairs, have your insurer approve them first. Make sure you document every detail of the damage and don’t throw away damaged items.

At Cornerstone Insurance Agency, we do our best in making sure that our clients are well-protected with affordable and comprehensive policies. We make sure to go the extra mile to help you with your needs. To learn more about how we can help you, please contact our agency at (888) 661-8831 or Click Here to request a free quote.