What happens when you file a homeowners insurance claim?

HOME INSURANCE IS ONE OF THOSE THINGS THAT EVERYONE NEEDS, BUT NO ONE HOPES TO USE. IF YOU’VE EXPERIENCED A PROPERTY LOSS, WHETHER BY FIRE, WATER DAMAGE OR THEFT, YOU KNOW IT CAN BE STRESSFUL.

As your Broker, it’s our job to guide you through the claims process; to help you achieve a fair settlement in a timely fashion; and to make the experience as painless as possible.

Once you’ve had a loss, the first step is to report the loss promptly to us. We’ll ask you a few questions to better understand the events surrounding your loss and determine the severity of damage. If you have immediate needs, we’ll offer the appropriate assistance.

It is your responsibility to do what you can to mitigate the loss. Simply put, this means you are expected to take immediate action for emergency repairs or tasks within your control, with resources available to you, to minimize further damage. Your insurance company will cover all reasonable expenses to prevent the loss from getting bigger.

As your Broker, we’ll go over your coverage, your deductible and the impact the claim will have on your policy discounts or renewal terms. We will council you on the prudence of making a claim, taking into account the severity of the claim, the nature of the claim and your previous claims experience.

To start the claims process, we will file a “Notice of Loss” with your insurer. An independent or company adjuster will then be assigned to your claim.

The adjuster’s role is to oversee the process of putting you back in the position you were in prior to the loss (subject to your policy terms and conditions). The adjuster will investigate the cause of loss, confirm coverage and obtain estimates for professional services required under the claim. The adjuster will guide you through the paperwork and include you in the decision process of who will do the work and what services will be performed.

At this point, a “Proof of Loss” will be presented for your signature. This legal form documents the loss as presented by you and states that the damages claimed are accurate. Once your insurer accepts the Proof of Loss, all work and services required under the claim will begin in a timely fashion (subject to the availability of products and services).

WE’RE HERE TO HELP

We know these can be stressful times. You can rely on our insurance knowledge and experience to make the claim process as painless as possible. It is important to keep the lines of communication open. If you have any questions, concerns or require clarification at anytime during the claims process, contact us. We’re committed to assisting you in any way we can.