• Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Linkedin

Customer Login

InsuranceHub
Call Us Today(770) 497-1200
TRUSTED FOR30+ YEARS
MENU
  • PERSONAL
    • AUTO
      • Car Insurance
      • Boat Insurance
      • RV Insurance
      • Motorcycle Insurance
    • HOME
      • Homeowners
      • Condominium
      • Flood
      • Renters
      • Rental Property
      • Umbrella
    • HEALTH
      • Group Health
    • LIFE
    • Close
  • BUSINESS
      • Commercial Property
      • Commercial Auto
      • Commercial Umbrella
      • Surety & Fidelity Bonds
      • Directors and Officers
      • Special Events
      • Employee Dishonesty
      • Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI)
      • Business Owner’s Policy
      • Cyber Liability
      • General Liability
      • Professional Liability
      • Liquor Liability
      • Product Liability
      • Spoilage Insurance
      • Equipment Breakdown
      • Workers Compensation
      • Group Benefits for Employees and Independent Contractors
      • Employer Services
      • Errors And Omissions
      • Crime Insurance
      • Inland Marine
      • Business Interruption
    • Close
  • INDUSTRIES
      • Auto Body Shop
      • Auto Services
      • Accountant / Auditor
      • Apartment Owners/ Habitational
      • Architecture/ Engineering
      • Carpet Cleaning & Janitorial
      • Chiropractic Office
      • Contractors
      • Dance School
      • Daycare
      • Employment Agency
      • Financial Planner 
      • Food Store
      • Home-Based Business
      • Garage Keepers
      • Landscaping Services
      • Lawn Irrigation
      • Liquor Store
      • Machine Shop
      • Manufacturing
      • Mortgage Broker
      • Nonprofit
      • Personal Care Services
      • Pet Care
      • Photography/ Videography
      • Portrait Studio
      • Printing & Copying Services
      • Professional Organizer
      • PR Firm
      • Real Estate Agent
      • Religious Institution
      • Restaurant
      • Retail
      • Electronics Store
      • Furniture Store
      • Gift Shop
      • Salon
      • Security System Contractor
      • Sheet Metal Fabrication
      • Technology
      • Theatrical Agency
      • Tow Trucks
      • Wholesale Distribution
      • Women’s Accessory Store
    • Close
  • RESOURCES
    • Pay Your Bill/ Report A Claim
    • FAQs
    • Insurance Glossary
    • Close
  • BLOG
    • Home Insurance
    • Auto Insurance
    • Business Insurance
    • Transportation
    • Close
  • ABOUT
    • Leadership Team
    • Careers
    • Contact
    • Corporate Responsibility
    • Review Us
    • Stay Connected on Social Media
    • Close
GET QUOTE

What is an insurance claim and how do I file one?

Home | Home Insurance | Tips | What is an insurance claim and how do I file one?

05 Jul
2016

What is an insurance claim and how do I file one?

by InsuranceHub | in Home Insurance, Tips
What is an insurance claim and how do I file one?

What is an insurance claim?

We discussed in a recent article that no one expects disasters, emergencies or catastrophes. However, if the time comes that your home or possessions are damaged, destroyed, or stolen, it’s comforting to know that your insurance company is ready to help you. Simply put, an insurance claim is when you submit paperwork to your insurance company to help reimburse you for losses after a disaster occurs.

How do I submit an insurance claim?

Here are the 8 steps to filing a claim. We will discuss each one in detail later.

  1. Decide whether it is even worth filing a claim or not.
  2. Have I documented everything?
  3. Have I filled out the paperwork correctly and completely?
  4. Send the paperwork in immediately!
  5. Temporary repairs.
  6. Hello Mr. Inspector.
  7. Get at least 2 estimates.
  8. Be prepared to negotiate if necessary.

Decide whether it is even worth filing a claim or not

Think before you file. Remember that many small claims made within a few years can result in the insurance company raising your rates or, even worse, terminating your policy. The purpose of insurance is to protect you from catastrophic repairs and replacement. So ask yourself, “is it better for me to pay this myself instead of getting the insurance company involved?” You want to keep your insurance for when you really need it, don’t you?

Have I documented everything?

After a disaster is not the time to start taking an inventory of your belongings and trying to come up with proof of ownership and value. Talk about adding a headache on top of a a headache! Wise clients take the time to do a home inventory beforehand. This way all of their belongings have been cataloged, photographed and they have the copies of the receipts ready ahead of time. Do yourself a favor and do this now BEFORE you have an emergency. Otherwise, you will have to try to remember what you had from memory!

Next, go around the home and take pictures and video of the damage that you experienced. Make a list of the items stolen or damaged.

Have I filled out the paperwork correctly and completely?

There is nothing worse than omitting something on a form only to have it kicked back to you and your reimbursement check delayed weeks or months. So dot every “I” and cross every “T.”

Send the paperwork in immediately!

Time is of the essence here. The longer you wait, the more you will forget and the longer it will take to get your check. This will also allow time for you to get any additional paperwork or proof your agent will require from you.

PRO TIP: Keep a record or journal of every correspondence you have with your insurance contact. Record time, place, names, and what was discussed. Keep these in the same book or app so it can be referenced quickly later on.

Make any temporary repairs to keep your home safe

Remember to keep your home dry and safe. Use tarps and plywood to keep the damage from getting worse. Keep a running list of all expenses that come up for your records. Be sure to make a record of all of the things you throw away, so you can add them to your claim.

Hello Mr. Inspector

Your claims inspector will be visiting your home to examine your claim. He will review the damage as well as your losses on your claim. In turn, he will explain to you what is covered by your insurance policy and what isn’t. Remember to keep a journal of all of your conversations with him, so you can have them for reference later on.

Get at least 2 estimates

Just as you would get a few estimates if you were putting in a new kitchen, it only makes sense to get a few estimates from local contractors on the repairs of your home. First, it will help you to remain within the insurance company’s budget. Second, it’s your home, so you need to feel good about the contractor you will be working with over the next few months. Doesn’t it make sense that you should feel comfortable with them before hiring?

Put on your negotiator hat

What happens when your insurance company makes an offer to settle for claims that you are not comfortable with? What can you do when it isn’t enough to cover the contractors bills to rebuild your home like new?

Remember you have options

  • Try to resolve the concern with the insurance company first. Show them all of the estimates you have to prove your case.
  • Contact a licensed public adjuster in your area. A public adjuster will work hard to negotiate for you with your insurance company and will be there every step of the way while your home is rebuilt. Talk to them about your situation. Ask them for ideas regarding your situation. Remember to ask and check for references.

We hope you have found these 8 steps to making a large claim on your home insurance policy. Your InsuranceHub representative is standing buy to help you answer all of your questions about making claims right now.

home insurance quote insurancehub

Share this article...
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Linkedin
Tagged file claim, homeowners insurance, insurance claim

About InsuranceHub

We love insurance at InsuranceHub.

Post navigation

Roof inspections save you money
Top Atlanta cleaning services give cleaning tips for Georgia apartment renters & home owners

Related Post

Keep Toasty With A Great Winter Soup

Keep Toasty With A Great Winter Soup

10 Tips for Enjoying the Gemini Meteor Shower

10 Tips for Enjoying the Gemini Meteor Shower

National Safe Toys & Gifts Month

National Safe Toys & Gifts Month

CALL FOR A QUOTE!

(770) 497-1200

Speak with an insurance agent who can deliver transparent insurance options and competitive rates. Shop across all our carriers and get a fast & free quote!


Online Quote Form

Recent Articles

  • What To Do After Purchasing a New Home: A New Home Purchase Guide December 22, 2020
  • 5 Common Mistakes People Make on Homeowner’s Insurance Claims December 22, 2020
  • Did your credit score increase? It’s time to shop insurance rates December 10, 2020
  • Why it’s important for your employees to take time off December 8, 2020
  • Vacation Home Insurance 101: What It Is and Why You Need It December 7, 2020

Article Archives

  • December 2020 (5)
  • November 2020 (1)
  • October 2020 (8)
  • September 2020 (7)
  • August 2020 (4)
  • July 2020 (5)
  • June 2020 (4)
  • May 2020 (4)
  • April 2020 (6)
  • March 2020 (7)
  • February 2020 (4)
  • January 2020 (11)
  • December 2019 (11)
  • November 2019 (11)
  • October 2019 (15)
  • September 2019 (11)
  • August 2019 (13)
  • July 2019 (13)
  • June 2019 (12)
  • May 2019 (14)
  • April 2019 (13)
  • March 2019 (13)
  • February 2019 (14)
  • January 2019 (13)
  • December 2018 (13)
  • November 2018 (18)
  • October 2018 (16)
  • September 2018 (10)
  • August 2018 (10)
  • July 2018 (13)
  • June 2018 (10)
  • May 2018 (15)
  • April 2018 (10)
  • March 2018 (9)
  • February 2018 (9)
  • January 2018 (12)
  • December 2017 (9)
  • November 2017 (10)
  • October 2017 (9)
  • September 2017 (8)
  • August 2017 (9)
  • July 2017 (10)
  • June 2017 (9)
  • May 2017 (10)
  • April 2017 (10)
  • March 2017 (8)
  • February 2017 (6)
  • January 2017 (4)
  • December 2016 (5)
  • November 2016 (8)
  • October 2016 (8)
  • September 2016 (7)
  • August 2016 (9)
  • July 2016 (8)
  • June 2016 (8)
  • May 2016 (6)
  • April 2016 (9)
  • March 2016 (9)
  • February 2016 (7)
  • January 2016 (3)
  • December 2015 (4)

About Us

At InsuranceHub, it’s our mission to make insurance easy. Our goal is to be more than just an insurance agency. We want to be a partner and an advisor to our customers.

© 2020 InsuranceHub Agency, LLC. All rights reserved.

Licensing & Legal

Company Information

  • About Us
  • Leadership Team
  • Careers at InsuranceHub
  • Connect on Social Media
  • Pay Your Bill
  • Customer Login

Communications

  • Our People
  • Leadership
  • Careers
  • Corporate Responsibility
  • Review Us

Your Security Is Our Priority

1720 Lakes Parkway
Lawrenceville, GA 30043

Phone: 877-341-5728
Phone: 770-497-1200
Fax: 770-814-7187

FEW-0630AO (11/2018)
  • Auto
  • Life
  • Health
  • Business
  • Privacy Policy
MENU
  • PERSONAL
    • AUTO
      • Car Insurance
      • Boat Insurance
      • RV Insurance
      • Motorcycle Insurance
    • HOME
      • Homeowners
      • Condominium
      • Flood
      • Renters
      • Rental Property
      • Umbrella
    • HEALTH
      • Group Health
    • LIFE
    • Close
  • BUSINESS
      • Commercial Property
      • Commercial Auto
      • Commercial Umbrella
      • Surety & Fidelity Bonds
      • Directors and Officers
      • Special Events
      • Employee Dishonesty
      • Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI)
      • Business Owner’s Policy
      • Cyber Liability
      • General Liability
      • Professional Liability
      • Liquor Liability
      • Product Liability
      • Spoilage Insurance
      • Equipment Breakdown
      • Workers Compensation
      • Group Benefits for Employees and Independent Contractors
      • Employer Services
      • Errors And Omissions
      • Crime Insurance
      • Inland Marine
      • Business Interruption
    • Close
  • INDUSTRIES
      • Auto Body Shop
      • Auto Services
      • Accountant / Auditor
      • Apartment Owners/ Habitational
      • Architecture/ Engineering
      • Carpet Cleaning & Janitorial
      • Chiropractic Office
      • Contractors
      • Dance School
      • Daycare
      • Employment Agency
      • Financial Planner 
      • Food Store
      • Home-Based Business
      • Garage Keepers
      • Landscaping Services
      • Lawn Irrigation
      • Liquor Store
      • Machine Shop
      • Manufacturing
      • Mortgage Broker
      • Nonprofit
      • Personal Care Services
      • Pet Care
      • Photography/ Videography
      • Portrait Studio
      • Printing & Copying Services
      • Professional Organizer
      • PR Firm
      • Real Estate Agent
      • Religious Institution
      • Restaurant
      • Retail
      • Electronics Store
      • Furniture Store
      • Gift Shop
      • Salon
      • Security System Contractor
      • Sheet Metal Fabrication
      • Technology
      • Theatrical Agency
      • Tow Trucks
      • Wholesale Distribution
      • Women’s Accessory Store
    • Close
  • RESOURCES
    • Pay Your Bill/ Report A Claim
    • FAQs
    • Insurance Glossary
    • Close
  • BLOG
    • Home Insurance
    • Auto Insurance
    • Business Insurance
    • Transportation
    • Close
  • ABOUT
    • Leadership Team
    • Careers
    • Contact
    • Corporate Responsibility
    • Review Us
    • Stay Connected on Social Media
    • Close