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3 Tips for Handling Home Insurance Claims

VWB Blog 2 years ago 17

Chances are, you’ve got a lot on your hands in addition to filing a home insurance claim. As a result, you may not make the best choices–and may not even know how.

On average, homeowners file home insurance claims about once every ten years. As a result, most homeowners don’t make it a habit of learning how to best handle this process.

We’re here to give you three important tips that will make it easier to navigate your home insurance policy and file a claim smoothly and with ease.

Read on to learn more.

1. Document the Damage and File Quickly

The first thing you’re going to want to do (after ensuring that you’re not in danger) is to take photos and videos to document the damage. You want to accumulate enough proof of the incident and resulting damage that you won’t have to spend a ton of time arguing over the facts of the claim.

Next, file your home insurance claim as soon as possible. You need to show that you’re working as fast as you can to minimize further damage, or you may end up getting a lowball offer.

2. Stick Around During the Adjuster Inspection

Your home insurance company is going to send an adjuster to your home to assess the damage and come up with their own estimates regarding the cost of repairs. Keep in mind that even if the adjuster seems to be on your side, they’re representing a company that doesn’t want to pay up.

Make sure that you’re home when the adjuster comes. Take notes and pay attention to what they’re reporting back. Answer questions but don’t offer any extra information. If possible, the adjuster will look for ways to say that the damage was preventable, which will result in a smaller payout.

3. Make Sure You’re Working With the Best

When it comes time to hire contractors to repair the damage, make sure that you’re working with someone who is reputable and has experience. Working with a professional and knowledgeable contractor will make a huge difference.

Your contractor isn’t the only person you should select with care. It’s possible that during this process, you’ll realize that you don’t have the best homeowners insurance policy for you. Reevaluate using tools like Insurance Tales, which will help you to find the cheapest policies with the best coverage.

Approach Home Insurance Claims With Confidence

Few people know what to do when it’s time to file home insurance claims. After all, it won’t happen often–but when it does, you’re going to want to be prepared. Use these three tips to make sure that you get the most coverage and the best service while navigating costly home repairs.

Looking for more tips that will help you to improve or protect your home? Take a look at our real estate content to get educated about homeownership, property management, and more.

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