Tips to Help You File a Home Insurance Claim

Here are some suggestions to help you make the home insurance claims process a little easier.

Knowing that you have good homeowners insurance that you can count on can offer you some serious peace of mind.  However, if your home does sustain damage, the idea of beginning the insurance claims process may seem daunting.  Luckily, there are steps that you can take to simplify your home insurance claim.  Try out these suggestions to help you make the claims process go a little more smoothly.

Report Damage ASAP

If your home gets damaged, one of the first things you should do is contact your insurance agent.  Reporting your damage in a timely manner will kickstart the claims process, and the sooner it begins, the sooner it will end.  Of course, this phone call should only take place after you have secured your family and taken the necessary steps to prevent the damage from spreading.

Take Pictures of the Damage

Another way to make the claims process a little easier is by documenting your home’s damage.  Please remember that you should only attempt to take pictures if it safe to do so.  If you can safely snap a few photos, try to get them from several different angles.  Additionally, try to grab a picture of the root cause of the damage.  These photos will help your claims adjuster better understand the extent of your home’s damage.

Don’t Assign Benefits to a Contractor

When you call in a contractor to handle your home’s repairs, they might ask you to sign an Assignment of Benefits form (AOB).  Signing this document would give your contractor full authority over the claims process, including control over your insurance benefit.  This is dangerous because an untrustworthy contractor could take your insurance benefit without bothering to finish your home’s repairs.  So, if asked, do not sign this form.

Try out these suggestions to make your homeowners insurance claims go more smoothly.  Do you have further questions regarding your homeowners insurance?  Then turn to the experts at Pierce Insurance Group.  We are ready to assist you with all your insurance needs.  Contact us to get started today.