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Property Claims BLOG

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First Steps in Filing a Property Insurance Claim Correctly

Steps in filing a property insurance claim notepad

When your home is damaged, it might seem reasonable to wait for the insurance company to take over and resolve everything. Unfortunately, the claims process isn't that simple. As the property owner and policyholder, you are responsible for taking the first steps in filing your property insurance claim. These initial actions will set the tone for your claim process and help you move your claim forward.

  • Report your claim
  • Protect your property
  • Choose repair contractors
  • Document your damages
  • Meet the obligations in your policy

You’ll have a lot of tasks to juggle, but when you take charge of the claim process, you'll be seen more like an active participant and less like a victim.

Report Your Claim

The “Duties After a Loss” section in your homeowners insurance policy requires you to provide "prompt notice" of your claim to the insurance carrier. If your claim is catastrophic, you might receive immediate instructions about how to proceed. Otherwise, you'll have to wait for the insurance carrier to get back to you.

Protect Your Property

Your policy outlines your duty to protect your property from further damage after a loss. When fire damages your roof, a rainstorm can cause additional damage. When a malfunctioning washer floods your home, mold and mildew can ruin salvageable property. Your policy requires you to take reasonable measures to prevent further damage. Failing to protect your property could taint your entire claim process and make the adjuster cautious and suspicious.

Choose Repair Contractors

An insurance adjuster will investigate your damage and recommend a contractor to perform the work based on a repair estimate he puts together. If you want more control over your home repairs, ask your family, friends and co-workers for referrals. Know that you have the right to select your own contractor. The insurance company must work with the contractor you choose.

Document Your Damages

Keep a claim file where you'll document your damages and establish your valuations. This will be invaluable to you, whether you're submitting a proof of loss or negotiating your final claim settlement. Include all:

  • Estimates and work orders.
  • Receipts for out-of-pocket claim expenses.
  • Purchase receipts, product brochures, manuals, and photos to document and evaluate damaged contents.

Comply With Insurance Company Requests

Your insurance adjuster may request sworn statements, a proof of loss, and documentation to prove your damages. You may even be called in for an Examination Under Oath, where your sworn testimony is collected for the record. There are limitations on what your carrier can require of you.

Consider Hiring a Public Adjuster

A public adjuster can manage all of these claim tasks for you. Just like insurance company adjusters, PAs have property claim experience and insurance knowledge. Your public adjuster will work hard to get the settlement you deserve.

Miller Public Adjusters proudly serves policyholders in:
Wisconsin - Illinois - Indiana - Michigan - Minnesota - Texas - Florida

Call us 24 hours a day at (866) 443-5167 to schedule an appointment or
please fill out a Free Claim Review to see if we can help.

David Miller
David Miller
David Miller here. After fighting insurers post-fire, I founded Miller Public Adjusters to help policyholders like you. Ask me anything!
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