Navigating Insurance Claims After a Disaster

Fire Restoration

You will likely need to contact your insurance company if your home has suffered a disaster, such as a fire, flood, tornado, or other devastating event. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a long-term homeowner, the process can seem intimidating, time-consuming, and downright overwhelming.

Understanding what the homeowners’ insurance claims process is like and how to deal with public insurance adjusters, insurance companies, and other key figures can help make the process easier. Though you can’t predict when a disaster will strike, learning this information beforehand will ease some of the burdens when it does.

A sad man holds his head by hand and cries in a burnt-out house after the disaster.
Knowing how to deal with your insurance company will help you not feel overwhelmed.

What Can You Do Before a Disaster?

One important thing to do before a disaster is to read your homeowners’ insurance policy. This will help you understand what is and isn’t covered. Be aware that most standard homeowners’ policies only cover flooding in properties caused by plumbing failures, such as leaking pipes. They specifically exclude flood damage from heavy rain, rivers or lakes overflowing their banks, coastal surges, or sneaker waves. Talking to your provider about specific types of coverage is highly recommended. It’s also important to keep all of your insurance documents in a safe place, such as a fireproof box. 

Also, it is important to photograph your property and your valuables prior to an emergency. “Before” photos are useful for comparison when you are dealing with lost or damaged property. Hold onto large receipts and any necessary documentation. Keep an itemized inventory list.

What Should I Do Immediately After a Home Disaster?

Immediately following a home disaster, confirm that other members of your household are safe. Be aware of your surroundings. There may be hidden dangers such as gas leaks and exposed electrical wires. If you are able to do so safely, take pictures or videos of the damage immediately. This documentation can help with filing an insurance claim.

When Is the Best Time to File an Insurance Claim?

You should file a claim as soon as possible after the disaster. Keep in mind, however, that your insurance company may not be able to process it right away. They will need time to investigate what happened and determine how much coverage you have.

how to deal with home insurance adjustors
After a disaster, be sure to file a claim as soon as possible.

How to File a Home Insurance Claim

1. File a police report if there was any theft or vandalism involved in the disaster. Completing this step promptly after the occurrence will help your insurance company process your claim faster.

2. Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible. They may not be able to process your claim immediately, as they will need time to investigate what happened and determine how much coverage you have. Get the claims process started so you can start getting the help you need. An agent will help you with filing claims.

3. Keep accurate records of all conversations and correspondence with your insurance company. This will help ensure that there are no misunderstandings later on. If you are having trouble dealing with your insurance company, contact an attorney for help.

4. Take photographs or videos of the damage as proof of evidence. This should be done as soon as possible. If you didn’t take the photos before contacting your insurance company, you’d need to do so immediately.

5. Cooperate with your insurance company and follow their instructions. This will help ensure that your claim is processed quickly and smoothly.

6. Get started on repairs as soon as possible. Contact a professional restoration company to help with any property damage. The sooner you start, the sooner you can get your life can return to normal.

7. Keep a log of all expenses you incur as a result of the disaster. This includes money spent on temporary housing, repairs, and any other related costs. Your agent will need documentation to reimburse the money spent on things covered by your homeowners’ insurance policy.

Extra Tips for Filing a Homeowners’ Insurance Claim

Going into your insurance company’s office to file a claim after a disaster can be daunting. Here are some tips to make the process easier:

1. Be prepared. Have all of your documentation ready, including police reports, photographs or videos of the damage, and receipts for any expenses you have incurred.

2. Be patient. Your insurance company may not be able to process your claim immediately. They will need time to investigate what happened and determine how much coverage you have.

3. Take care of yourself and the members of your household first. The last thing you need is more stress in the midst of a disaster.

What is a Home Insurance Adjuster or Claims Adjuster?

An insurance adjuster or insurance claims adjuster is a professional who works for your insurance company. Their job is to investigate the damage to your home and determine how much coverage you have. They will contact you to ask for more information about the damage or to schedule an appointment to inspect the property.

Tips for Talking with an Insurance Adjuster

  • Be prepared to provide information about the damage. This will include the extent of the damage, what was damaged, and how much it is estimated to cost to repair or replace it.
  • Schedule an appointment with the insurance adjuster as soon as possible, as they may not be able to come out right away and will need time to investigate the damage.
  • As with the insurance agent, be cooperative and follow their instructions. This will help ensure that the insurance adjuster has all the information they need to process your claim.
  • Keep a record of all conversations and correspondence with the insurance adjuster.

What If My Insurance Company Denies My Claim?

It’s not the end of the world if your insurance company denies your claim. You have the right to appeal the decision. This can be done by writing a letter to your insurance company or by contacting an attorney.

Hiring a Property Restoration Company

Cleaning up and repairing your home after a disaster can be a daunting task. If you’re not sure where to start or don’t have the time or resources, consider hiring a property restoration company. PuroClean specializes in fire damage restoration, water damage mitigation and restoration, mold remediation, and much more. For more information, check out our blog about hiring a property restoration company.

Call PuroClean for Property Restoration Following a Home Disaster!

If you have experienced a home disaster, call PuroClean for help. We are experts in property restoration and can help you get your life back to normal as quickly as possible. As the “Paramedics of Property Damage®,” you can reach us 24/7 for any property restoration services. Our teams will work with your insurance company to ensure that the process is as smooth as possible. For more information, visit our website or call (800) 775-7876 to get connected with your local PuroClean office today!

Last edited on 30th of October 2024