In our latest Campbell & Halliburton Regina Home insurance tip, we share the seven steps of making a claim on your home or condo insurance.
7 Steps To Making A Home or Condominium Insurance Claim
There are many reasons why you may need to make a property claim. After a storm, your sewage could back up into your basement. Your home could be burglarized and/or vandalized. A fire could destroy your kitchen. A tree or a vehicle could damage your property.
The amount you receive for your loss will depend on the type of coverage you invested in. In addition to claiming for the damaged or destroyed property, you may be eligible for additional living expense reimbursement, in certain circumstances, if you need to temporarily move elsewhere.
If you are the victim of theft or vandalism, contact the police right away!!
7 Things to Know About A Home/Condo Insurance Claim
1. Call your insurance brokers as soon as possible!!
2. Details are critical. Provide as much information as possible about the circumstances and damage. Take photographs if it is safe to do so.
3. If your home is unfit to live in, ask your insurance broker about the expenses you may be entitled to, and for how long. Keep all receipts and invoices for additional living expenses after your loss.
4. A claims specialist or adjuster (who is paid by your insurance company) will contact you to investigate the circumstance of the loss, examine documentation and explain the next steps.
They will also:
- Determine the facts related to the claim and the extent of what is covered by your insurance policy.
- Attempt to reach an agreement with any other people involved about the amount of their loss and the extent of their responsibility.
5. Your insurance company will ask you to complete and return a proof of loss form after the incident. If any of the statements you make on the form are untrue, your insurance and claim may be voided. This form lists the property and/or items that were damaged or lost, and their estimated value or cost.
On the form, you will be asked to:
- Make a complete list of all damaged, destroyed or stolen items.
- Attach proofs of purchase, receipts, police reports, owner’s manuals and warranty, if possible.
- Attach photos of damaged items.
- Keep damaged items unless they are dangerous or a health hazard.
- A current home inventory can help if you experience a loss.
- Sign and swear that the statements you make in the proof of loss are true.
6. Review your insurance policy and become familiar with specified deductibles, coverage limits and replacement values.
If you make a claim, the amount you receive will depend on the type of coverage you bought.
Insurance companies have three options for your damaged or stolen items:
- Repair
- Replace
- Reimburse.
PLEASE NOTE: Your policy requires that you take all necessary steps to limit further damage.
7. Ask your insurance representative if you can hire a contractor or supplier of your choice to do repairs. If so, discuss the costs. Make sure the contractor or supplier respects the price and specifications that you and your insurer agree on.
Get Good Home Insurance
Sometimes you can do everything possible and still have a break-in. our home insurance experts at Campbell & Haliburton Insurance can help you deal with the cost of your lost items, plus any structural damage caused during the break-in. Contact our Regina Insurance brokers to find out more about your coverage and to get a quote
As you walk out of our door, you can do so with the assurance that you are covered with the home insurance that best meets your needs. If you don’t have an insurance broker and want to talk to someone who is truly passionate about your insurance, contact us at Campbell & Haliburton Insurance. We would love to help you.
Our Trusted Regina Insurance Agents at Campbell & Haliburton have your best interests and safety in mind and our commitment to customer service is one of the pillars of our business. We also know insurance inside and out, so please contact us for all of your insurance needs and we will be more than happy to help ensure what you value most is protected.
Our Trusted Regina Insurance Agents at Campbell & Haliburton have your best interests and safety in mind and our commitment to customer service is one of the pillars of our business. We also know insurance inside and out, so please contact us for all of your insurance needs and we will be more than happy to help ensure what you value most is protected.
**(This is a general overview. There are many different insurance companies, and there are always differences in insurance policies. For specific details on your policy and coverage, we recommend that you contact your agent or broker.)