Making an Insurance Claim Following a Disaster

It is difficult to pick up the pieces after a natural catastrophe. Here are some pointers to assist you get through the insurance claims procedure.

What you will discover:

What is the claims procedure like, and what can I expect?
What are some pointers to assist me file a successful insurance claim?
What happens if my claim is turned down?
When should you consult a lawyer?
What should I do with my insurance records, and what happens if they are lost?

Insurance is something you purchase in the belief that you will never need it. So, unless you have been through it before–and we hope you haven’t–you may not be fully aware of how the claims process works after a natural disaster or what you can do to locate (or replace) important records lost as a result of a hurricane, tornado, flood, earthquake, or severe winter storm.

Here are the answers to some frequently asked insurance claims questions.

What is the claims procedure like, and what can I expect?

To begin, if you are the policyholder on your insurance, you are responsible for notifying your insurance company in the event of a loss. It is best to notify them as soon as possible. You will want to avoid making permanent repairs while simultaneously doing all possible to keep your property safe from additional harm. If you have damaged windows, for example, wait until the damage has been properly recorded by you or your insurance before installing new ones. Instead, cover the windows with a board or tarp to prevent water or debris from entering.

Within 24 hours, your insurance carrier should confirm receipt of your claim and inform you of the next steps. Though some insurers may have an emergency team for processing claims following a disaster, keep in mind that due to the increased volume of claims, processing may take longer than usual. The adjuster will make an offer depending on your coverage and the damages to your property.

What are some pointers to assist me file a successful insurance claim?

When processing claims, adjusters must adhere to policies established by insurance companies. The following guidelines might assist an adjuster in processing your claim more quickly and accurately:

Photographs, videos, receipts, and credit card bills are all acceptable forms of supporting proof.
Depending on your coverage, give inventory records and daily sales logs if you are a company.
Individuals can use a Home Inventory Worksheet to keep track of their personal belongings.
Return any phone calls and emails from your insurance claim adjuster as quickly as possible, and give all paperwork.

These can assist the insurance adjuster in determining a fair value for your losses. If you are forced to move, you may be able to submit receipts for a hotel stay, depending on the kind of coverage you have. Remember to provide your adjuster copies, as well as electronic copies, and to maintain the originals or your own copy of anything you send them. If you are sending paper copies, make a note of the date each document was delivered and include some kind of delivery confirmation.

What happens if my claim is turned down?

If your claim is refused or rejected, you have a few choices. You might start by submitting a Request for Information about an Insurance Denial to your insurer to learn more about why your claim was refused. If you believe that your insurance policy is being misinterpreted, you may request that the insurance company return to your home to review the damages and their cause. A qualified contractor may also provide a second view as a counter-proposal. Because state regulators require a response to complaints from paying customers, insurance companies take complaints seriously.

When should you consult a lawyer?

An attorney’s assistance may often make the insurance claims procedure smoother. Before agreeing to your adjuster’s evaluation, you may want to have an attorney review your policy to see what is and is not required under the policy. A lawyer can assist you in determining if a settlement is fair and truthful, as well as advocating for more.

If your insurance company is not being reasonable, an attorney may assist you in contesting their decision. Disputes with insurance companies may be resolved by arbitration, mediation, or litigation. It is frequently wise to consult with a lawyer before beginning this procedure.

What should I do with my insurance records, and what happens if they are lost?

Insurance documents, as well as other vital duplicates, such as a copy of your birth certificate, should always be kept away from your home or workplace. People will often retain supplementary documents in a safe deposit box, with relatives in another place, or construct electronic records that can be accessed remotely.

Your insurance provider will have a copy of your policy if your paperwork are destroyed. However, it is critical to secure your documents and understand how to replace important paperwork if it is lost.