Introduction
Dealing with an unexpected event like a natural disaster, theft, or accident is already stressful enough without having to worry about filing an insurance claim. However, proper preparation can make the claim process one less thing to worry about. In this blog, we’ll provide five quick insurance claim tips you need to know before you file. These tips, along with using an insurance inventory app, will help ensure you have all the information and documentation necessary to successfully file your claim.
Tip #1: Review Your Policy Ahead of Time
Before you ever get to a point where you might need to file a claim, it is important to review your insurance policy to make sure you understand what is covered and what isn’t covered – ahead of time. In particular – make sure you understand your home contents insurance coverage including your policy’s deductible, limits, and exclusions. This will help you make any adjustments to your policy that makes sense before a claim is needed and help you avoid surprises when you file your claim.
Tip #2: Determine Whether You Should File a Claim
Assessing the damage is critical in determining whether you should file an insurance claim or not. If the damage is minor and the cost of repair is less than your deductible (or even a little more than your deductible), it might not be worth filing a claim. Filing a claim may adversely affect the premiums you pay in the future. However, if the damage is extensive, then that is what insurance is for, and you should file a claim as soon as possible. Document the damage with photos and videos, and keep all receipts related to repairs or replacements.
Tip #3: Get Bids
Getting bids from contractors or repair companies can help you determine the cost of repairs or replacements, which will give you a better chance of getting what you are owed when you file your claim. Make sure you get at least two or three bids so that you can compare prices and choose the most reasonable one. Keep all of the bids and related documentation together for reference when you file your claim.
Tip #4: Consult With Your Agent
Consulting with your insurance agent can help you understand the claims process and get answers to any questions you may have. Your agent can also help you determine if filing a claim is the right decision, and if so, guide you through the process.
Tip #5: Have a Home Inventory Ready
Having a inventory of your home contents for insurance can be very helpful for a claim. A home inventory is a detailed list of all of your possessions, including their value, purchase date, serial numbers, and any other relevant information. Having this information can speed up the claims process significantly and ensure that you receive the full value of your lost or damaged items.
Bonus Tip: Use a Home Inventory App to Create Your Home Inventory
Our bonus insurance claim tip is to use a home inventory app to create your home inventory – this can really speed up the process and ensure your inventory is up-to-date. And using an home contents app for insurance can increase your chance of proper compensation in case of a claim.
Conclusion
Dealing with a situation where you might want to file an insurance claim can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. However, by following these quick insurance claim tips, including reviewing your policy ahead of time, figuring out whether to make a claim or not, getting bids, consulting with your agent, and having a comprehensive home inventory ready. With these tips and tools at your disposal, you can be better prepared for any unexpected event.
