Filing a claim for home insurance cover should be a fairly straight-forward process. As long the policy holders did not lie when filling out their applications and the damages are covered under the terms of the policy, these homeowners who follow the process of filing a claim correctly generally do not have many difficulties obtaining their cover. But, they will need to ensure that it is worth their while to file the claim in the first place.
When Not to File a Claim
People need to consider the damages very carefully before they file a claim for their contents insurance. Filing a claim for their home insurance cover can mean that their insurance companies raise their premiums when it is time to renew the policy. The amount of the damage that has been caused must be worth the extra amount of money they will be required to pay with raised premiums. They also will lose their no claims discount, and this will increase their premiums.
How to File a Claim
After homeowners have determined that it is worth it to file a claim for their home insurance cover, they must read their policies to ensure that they know exactly what their policies cover. Knowing this before they start the process can save them time filing a claim for something which they are not covered.
Call the Insurance Company
If the damages are covered, the policyholders will need to call the insurance company with the intent of filing a claim. It’s at this point that the policyholders will be able to ask questions about their cover and if they truly have standing to file a claim. The advisors at the insurance companies will be able to make this clear during their initial conversation.
Prepare Information about the Damaged Item
When the call is made, the policyholders will need to have some information ready to give the insurance company. If the contents have been damaged or were stolen, they will have a crime reference number that they will need to give the claims specialist. They will also have needed to obtain an estimate for how much it will cost to repair or replace the item. They will also need to have their policy numbers ready for when the specialist asks for it.
Set Up a Time to Meet the Loss Adjuster
A loss adjuster is not always needed in these instances. Claims for smaller amounts ordinarily don’t require this but if the claim is for a large amount, the insurance company will set up a time for the claims adjuster to visit the home to inspect the damage. After the inspection, policyholders generally will have their property repaired or replaced in a timely manner.
Pay the Excess and Receive Payment from the Insurance Company
Before the insurance company begins to pay for the repairs or the replacement, the policyholders will need to pay the excess that they agreed to pay when their policies were written. After this has been done, the insurance company will then be able to pay for the replacement or repairs. They may also offer the policyholders the amount of money they are due as a cash payment.
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