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Step 1 : Contact Your Agent, the insurance company or your Public Adjuster in a timely manner.
- Give your name, address, policy number, and the date
and time of your loss.
- Make sure to tell them where you can be reached, especially if you are unable to stay in your home.
- Follow up the call with a letter. Keep a copy of the letter. Faxing to the insurance company’s claim department is
a good option.
- Follow up with the insurance company on who is the assigned adjuster.
- Arrange for an adjuster to visit your property and assess
the damage. Be sure the adjuster is properly licensed.
- If you hire a Public Adjuster, he will notify the company,
set up the appointment and will be there to represent you.
Step 2 : Carefully Document Your Losses
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Make a detailed list of lost or damaged property. Photograph damaged property before beginning any repairs.
- Before entering a building, check for structural damage. Do NOT go in if the building is un safe. Be careful walking around. Upon entering the building, do NOT use open flames, since gas may be trapped inside. Instead, use your flashlight to light your way. Keep power off until an electrician has inspected your system for safety.
- Do NOT throw away damaged property without taking a picture of it and your adjuster’s approval.
- Try to document the value of each object lost. Bills of sale, receipts and cancelled checks. If you have no such records, estimate the value, give the origin of purchase, date of purchase , and include this information with your list.
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Make a list of any additional living expenses you incur if your home is so severely damaged that you have to find other accommodations while repairs are being made. This includes motet, restaurant bills, home rental and/or car rental bills.
- If you retain the help of a Public Adjuster, he will document the claim as part of his services.
Step 3 : Protect Your Property from Further Damage or Theft
- Patch roofs temporarily. Cover broken windows with boards or plastic.
- If household furnishings are exposed to weather, move them to a safe location for storage.
- Dry out water-damaged furnishings and clothing as soon as
possible to prevent fading and deterioration.
- You may wish to take some items to a reliable dry cleaner. You may need to contact an emergency services company. Many times the insurance company will send a company to your property. However, it is recommended that you always hire your own contractors.
If you hired a Public Adjuster, he will include the Emergency Services bill in his report and will submit it to the insurance company.
Step 4 : Working with Your Adjuster
- An adjuster will visit your property in order to assess the damages. Be sure that the adjuster is properly licensed.
- Be sure that you or your Public Adjuster is present when the adjuster visits the site.
- Work with the adjuster. It is their job to assist you and review your claim. But remember, the insurance adjuster is representing the insurance company and not you.
- You and your adjuster need to come to an agreement as to the scope of damage, which is an agreement as to what needs to be repaired or replaced.
- In case you are hiring a Public Adjuster, he will prepare a detailed estimate and will present it to the insurance company adjuster when adjusting the claim.
Step 5 : Settling Your Claim
- You may settle personal property and structural claims at separate times.
- Don’t rush, take the time needed to determine the full extent of your losses. Don’t be in a hurry to settle your claim. Although you may want to have your damage claim settled as quickly as possible, it is sometimes advisable to wait until all of the damage has been discovered.
- Damages overlooked in an early inspection may become apparent later. If you are dissatisfied with the settlement offer, or if you and your insurance company adjuster cannot reach an agreement you may pursue in three ways:
- Hire a Public Adjuster. You will be surprised how many times a Public Adjuster double or more the insurance adjuster estimate.
- Obtain mediation through the state Department of Insurance (Mediation is non-binding). Mediation is an informal process where a neutral third party tries to help the parties resolve the dispute.
- Demand an appraisal (an appraisal is binding and the outcome is final).
Step 6 : Repairing Your Home
- Only YOU may contract for the repair of your home. See if the contractor holds a proper license by contacting your state Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
- Don’t agree to contractors that do the work for the amount of the claim settlement.
- Contact the reputable licensed and insured firm to have your
damage repaired. Beware of door-to-door sellers. Sometimes undependable workers enter a damaged area, make cheap repairs, and leave before the residents discover that the repairs are inadequate. If your local contractor cannot do the work, ask them to recommend someone. Get a written estimate that includes any oral promises the contractor made. But remember to ask if there’s a charge for an estimate before allowing anyone into your home.
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