Insurance Claims

Set the table

If you’re in are neck of the (very brown) woods, there is a lot of insurance filing going on so seems like a good time to cover it. 

 

The mechanics of filing

• What kind of claim? Auto? Homeowners? 

• File as close to the event as possible

• The specific forms will depend on specific companies. Used to have to do paper forms. Now many, most even, have online submissions. 

• All require time/date and details of what happened, best with photos or video. Take images as happens or as soon after as possible after people and pets are safe. 

• Will want description of mitigation efforts, such as, turning off the water main for burst pipe. 

• Details again depend upon the insurance company, but you may have a claims contact and an adjuster

  • The contact is the one you give updated info and receipts to. Schedule repairs with. This person should remind you of your deductible early on.

  • Adjuster comes out to inspect and verify the damage. 

• Again insurance dependent, but they may have approved repair people or types of people, or they may let you get your own. Think PPO. 

• Deductible is amount you agreed to pay before coverage kicks in. Low deductible policies tend to be more expensive. Depending on your own budget, you may have a higher deductible. You cover minor damage and insurance picks up the major damage or catastrophic loss. 

 

The other considerations

• How much does many claims affect your future coverage. (A bigger deal in auto insurance but it does play.) 

• Time of year. Is it an under your deductible claim in January or December?

• Were you at fault for the damage? 

• Extent of damage vs severity of damage. Weather events when everyone around you is making claims. Still file, but can your repair wait? 

 

 

Closing thoughts