How to File an Insurance Claim
Overview of the Claims Filing Process for Businesses and Homeowners
Seven easy steps on how to file an insurance claim for your home or business. Use these easy tips to file an insurance claims report and make the process an easier one.
Filing an insurance claim doesn't have to be a heartbreaking process. Follow these seven steps to make your insurance claims filing process a lot easier- and quicker, too.
#1 Report insurance company claims ASAP to the appropriate insurance agent or insurance company. First things first- inform your agent and insurance company so they both know that you're filing an insurance claim. Take a minute to write everything down, so you have your thoughts in order before you start the insurance claims filing process.
#2 Start your insurance claims filing process by working on your inventory of lost or stolen property. You should have a property inventory list stored in a safe place, but if you haven't gotten around to it, start working on one when you file your claim. And if you have a burglary claim or a vandalism claim, file a police report too. Filing a police report helps your credibility in case of a identity theft claim in the future. Consider using one of the identity theft watchdog programs available today to prevent insurance claims. They monitor your credit report and watch for unusual activities on your accounts.
#3 Get updates on next steps for filing a business or homeowners insurance claim from your insurance company or insurance agent. Find out what your insurance company wants you to do- sit tight? Or take action? Do you need to get repair estimates? Should you engage a contractor to begin repairs? Your insurance company will walk you through the next steps you need to take for your business or homeowners insurance claim.
#4 Review your insurance policy coverages when you file a homeowners or business insurance claim. Take some time to read the fine print and reassure yourself that you have the coverage you need for your insurance claim before you file.
#5 Keep records of receipts when you have a homeowners or business insurance claim. You may need to turn receipts in to the insurance company. Start a folder of information and keep everything together to make claims filing an easier process. Include money spent on repairs and living expenses if applicable. Don't forget to make copies of everything in the file before you provide information to your insurance company claims department.
#6 When filing an insurance claim, do everything you can to prevent the loss from happening again. Whether you file an identity theft claim or a homeowners insurance claim, it's in your best interest to do anything reasonable to prevent a reoccurrence. Check with your insurance company claims department or your agent if you're unsure what's "reasonable."
#7 What you can expect from your insurance company claims department when filing a claim. Unless you've suffered damage due to a catastrophic event, you should receive a phone call or a visit from your insurance company claims department within a couple of days of filing the claim. If you've suffered a loss due to a wide-scale natural disaster (like a tornado or hurricane), it may take a little longer for your claims adjuster to arrive. Have your notes and your folder ready for your insurance company claims adjuster. Complete any forms as quickly as you can so you don't hold up the insurance claims filing process.
Read about the latest business insurance claim news on the insurance blog.
Talk back with the author: tell Lisa Nichols about your experience filing an identity theft claim.
