How to File a Claim: What to do, and what to expect.

Filing a claim is a many-step process. But it doesn’t need to be an ordeal. Understanding the key components to effectively file a claim is the first hurdle. Hiring a public adjuster to advocate on your behalf should be your next priority.

Practically speaking, the claim filing process can be broken down into distinct phases. The first thing to do, depending on the type of damage, is to file a police report. This is applicable for acts of vandalism or theft that have occurred on your property. It’s important to provide a copy of this police report to your insurance company in order to back up your claim. 

The next step (or first step, if your claim is unrelated to human factors) is to carefully document the damage to your property with photographic evidence. Take pictures of the problems—photos that show the scope of the damage, as well as close-up shots of major issues in every area that’s been affected. If you’re able, a video walkthrough of your home documenting damage as you encounter it is a great idea. 

After you’ve got visual evidence, the next typically-recommended step is to call your insurance company—they’ll walk you through the specific process they follow, and what they require on your end in order to get the claims process rolling. 

We recommend an amended step here: Secure a public adjuster first, before you reach out to your insurance. A public adjuster works on your behalf to be sure that you’re able to get the maximum payout possible for your claim, and can help guide you through the details that tend to get missed in the heat of the moment. 

An important step that must be taken while filing a claim is to do what you can to prevent further damage. Depending on the problems you’re facing, this may include covering your roof or broken windows with tarps in order to minimize water intrusion—you’ll be liable for damage that occurs after the initial event, if you haven’t taken steps to minimize further damage. 

The next phase of the process is reaching out to contractors to professionally assess the damage to your home. Gathering honest estimates of the cost to repair your home is important—and remember to look out for unusually low estimates! When it relates to your home, nothing good comes from cutting corners—and the insurance company will typically choose the lowest possible bid, in an effort to minimize the amount of money they’re paying you to cover repairs. This isn’t fair to you, and sets you up for trouble down the road. Get it repaired right—and get the costs to do it right covered by working with a public adjuster. 

It’s also important to keep track of all receipts, quotes, and records of expenditures related to the claims process, including expenses related to temporary housing. These associated costs can be covered by your insurance company—though to make sure they’re fully covered, we recommend securing a public adjuster to advocate on your behalf.