Don Vandervort, Head Homeboy, has written more than 30 DIY home improvement books, been a segment host on HGTV, served as MSN.com's home improvement expert and written countless magazine articles.
How to File a Post-Disaster Homeowner's Insurance Claim
In the event that a disaster damages or destroys your home, the first question you’re likely to ask is whether your homeowner’s insurance will cover the damage. Below are the steps you should take if you plan to file an insurance claim to rebuild your home and replace your damaged property.
* Contact your insurance company and insurance agent as soon as possible after the disaster, since many insurance policies have time limits on how far beyond the event you can file a claim. Make sure to report to both your agent and the company so they both know that you have damage due to a natural disaster and you intend to file an insurance claim.
* Before speaking to your insurance company, write down what you’re going to say and ask, and take notes during the conversation. This way your thoughts will be in order and you will have a record of the responses. Also have at your side a copy of your insurance policy so your account can be readily accessed. Have telephone numbers and email addresses at the ready so your insurance company and agent can contact you at any time.
* If you have to go to a shelter, be ready to provide your insurance agent with a “point of contact” person—the phone number and email address of a trusted relative or friend. This person should have the information to be able to contact you in case the insurance company or agent cannot.
* Begin working on your inventory of lost, stolen, or damaged property. Better still, start working on an inventory of all your property now, before a disaster hits. And consider filing a police report if your losses are also due to burglary or vandalism.
* When speaking to the insurance company, ask if the company will send its own inspectors out (most will) or whether you should get your own estimates for the repair and replacement work. Also ask how long it will take for your claim to be processed after the work to be done is approved.
* Most claims of damages and/or property loss are called “Proof of Loss” claims. These typically must be filed within 60 days after the damage has occurred. This sworn statement, made by you, substantiates the insurance claim and is required before any insurance payments can be made. Your insurance company or adjuster will provide the form, but it is your responsibility to file it.
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