An insurance claim is likely the farthest thing from your mind immediately following a home disaster. In the event of a kitchen fire, burst pipe, or basement flood, your first priority is safety and getting everyone in the home out of harm’s way. Only then can you take action and report the damage.
If this is your first time filing an insurance claim after property damage, this guide will help you understand the process, including damage estimates, coverage limits, and how to prepare for future disasters.
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) offers several resources to homeowners who have experienced property damage and need to report a claim. Among them is their Post-Disaster Claims Guide, which we refer to here to provide guidance on every step of the claims process.
As mentioned above, the first step to take after a disaster is to get to safety. It’s crucial to recognize and respond appropriately to any major safety issues you encounter:
After getting out of immediate danger and calling for emergency services, it’s time to think about your insurance claim. NAIC advises that to first find out what your deductible is and confirm that filing a claim is your best option. If the damage is minor, for example, you may rather pay for the repairs out of pocket. A restoration specialist can help assess the damage, including any hidden damage, to give you an accurate estimate of what needs to be restored.
When you call your insurance company, have the following information ready to report:
Additionally, the restoration team will assist in documenting the damage for your claim by taking photos and videos of the affected areas.
When speaking to an insurance agent, request your claim or reference number and ask any other relevant questions. You may want to know whether the insurance company covers accommodation costs, how long you have to file your claim, and when an adjuster will arrive to inspect the property.
An adjuster will arrive at your property typically within three to five days after you file your insurance claim. Upon arrival, they will assess the damage and determine what is covered under your policy.
You can assist the adjuster by providing all of the information you have gathered, including a list of damage areas and photo and video evidence. Fannie Mae also recommends documenting your conversations during the adjuster visit, including:
There are different types of adjusters. Company adjusters work exclusively with one insurance company. Independent adjusters work for multiple insurance companies. Public adjusters are professionals you hire and pay, completely separate from your insurance company.
After the adjuster comes to your home, they will use your policy, deductibles, damages, and all details from the disaster to calculate your insurance payout. Depending on the size of the payout, you may receive multiple payments that cover different parts of the claim. Please note that your remaining deductible will be deducted from your claims settlement.
Sometimes, the insurance company will deny part of your claim. You can request their denial in writing and contact the insurance company to discuss the decision with an agent. Make sure to keep all of your paperwork in case of this scenario.
Once you have accepted your insurance company’s settlement, you can begin the restoration process. A reputable, local restoration company that employs licensed contractors can guide you through the recovery process. Depending on the disaster and the extent of damage, you may need professional water removal, demolition of permanently damaged materials, reconstruction, and other treatments.
During or after the restoration process is a good time to consider future disaster mitigation. It can be impossible to predict property damage from a disaster, but the following tips can help to strengthen your home.
NAIC’s Post-Disaster Claims Guide lists key changes you can implement in your home to limit damage from a natural disaster:
One way to prepare for future disasters is by creating an emergency fund. Experts recommend saving between three and six months of living expenses, which can be used for home repairs and restoration in the event of a disaster.
It’s also wise to develop an inventory list for simplified documentation. This can help you report damaged items to your insurance company, describing their condition, the amount paid, and other relevant details. Finally, review your insurance policy periodically; you may find that changes to your coverage can help you save money.
While you hope your insurance will cover 100% of the costs of home repairs, this is not always the case. Understanding your insurance plan and what it covers can prevent surprises down the road.
Homeowner’s insurance typically covers:
Plenty of common home disasters are not covered by homeowner’s insurance, including:
If you aren’t sure what your plan includes or have questions, contact your insurance company.
If you need professional restoration services in or near Cache Valley, call Sierra Restoration. Since 2010, we have provided Utah and Idaho communities with competitive pricing, professional craftsmanship, and 24/7 emergency assistance at home.
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Our trusted restoration and remodeling team applies our motto to every job: “Restoring dreams one home at a time – with value, quality, and timeliness in mind.”
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