Quick Guide To Property Insurance Claims
The claims process is always a negotiation. Listen more than you talk. Ask questions when you don’t understand. Have an expert on your side.
Document everything that happens with your insurance claim. If you speak
The claims process is always a negotiation. Listen more than you talk. Ask questions when you don’t understand. Have an expert on your side.
Document everything that happens with your insurance claim. If you speak with someone on the phone about your claim, write down the date and time of your conversation as well as the name of the claim adjuster you spoke with. Take notes.
Confirm instructions in writing. Email is a great way to document the actions you take in a claim. Adjuster Smith, Thanks for speaking with me. To confirm today’s conversation You are going to look into a list of contractors who can fix our roof. I am to gather price info on the electronic equipment that was destroyed. As you suggested, I will be holding all receipt for our hotel stay and the meals we eat.
Keep your insurance agent involved in your claim. Many agents allow the insurance company to handle claims. While the agent doesn’t need to be involved in every step, make sure they understand how things are going. Ask for help from your agent if things don’t seem to be going well.
Under most policies the insurance company will insist that you attempt to repair or clean property. Modern cleaning techniques are pretty good at removing the smoke smell from clothing and furniture. Work with the adjuster but stand your ground if the cleaning is inadequate. This is another place your agent can help.
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One Response to “Quick Guide To Property Insurance Claims”
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I recently moved and the container in which our property was hauled had a leak. Our clothes, furniture, electronics, etc were all wet and smelled of mildew. Additionally, the integrity of many of the cardboard boxes was comprimized which lead to a lot of crushed boxes and hence, scratches, gouges, and other damage to our property.
The move was a self-pack (we didn’t let the movers pack our stuff) so I’m worried that the insurance company will not reimburse us for the scratches to our belongings.
Also, our electronics seem to work properly but there was definitely water in the boxes carrying them and even some mold on the inside of the boxes. Will the insurance company not take into account that the water may shorten the life span of the electronics?
How careful do I need to be in describing the damage to our property. For example, I’ve listed many clothing or luggage items as “Moldy” or “Smelling of Mildew” so I’d like to get them replaced. I’m doubtful that the policy includes damage against mold or mildew but I’d like to think that this is covered under the general umbrella of “water damage” is this correct?
Finally, if an item wasn’t listed on our inventory list but was in a box with other items, can we still claim that item? Will they not reimburse us for damage to an item that was not on the list?
Sorry for all the questions but I’m really worried that I’m about to get screwed here! Thanks in advance for your input!
Neal