How to File an Insurance Claim

When you’ve had the unthinkable happen – like water, fire or storm damage – to your home or property, it may be difficult to know what to do next, or where to turn.

And you may not know how to file an insurance claim to help you to recover. That’s why Allclaims Pro Public Adjusting is here.

How to Prepare to File an Insurance Claim

Step 1:

Contact your insurance company to notify them of your situation.

Step 2:

You will also want to assess the damage yourself. Without disturbing the damage, take photographs from all angles that are safe to approach. Do not put yourself in harm’s way to take photographs or climb up on damaged homes or downed trees.

Step 3:

Fill out claim forms, and arrange for the insurance adjuster to inspect any damage.

Step 4:

Gather estimates damage value and repair costs from remediation companies.

Step 5:

Accumulate any documentation provided by service companies, your insurance company, or others that can help support your claim, and keep copies on hand.

Step 6:

Make necessary temporary repairs.

Contact Allclaims Pro

The next step is to contact Allclaims to report the damage or property loss. You will want to have your insurance policy for your home or auto on hand when you call, and be able to quickly reference photographs, estimates and documentation from your insurance company or contractor, if you have spoken to or engaged one in the claims process.

Document Everything

Keep a notebook of any and all interactions with everyone involved, recommends the Consumer Federation of America (CFA):

“Be sure to get your claim number and write it down. Insurance company claims departments can locate your file most promptly using your claim number.”

Keep excellent records listing the date, time, who you spoke with, and a brief description of every exchange. If an adjuster does not show up for an appointment, document that also.

Take Inventory

A good thing to do is take photographs of your home and your possessions as an inventory. This will help you to prove what property you owned and its condition prior to a damaging event. If you do not have this, gather any existing photographs, or ask friends and family for their pictures. You will need to make a list of lost or damaged property. Holiday and celebration pictures are often good resources. Locate receipts for purchases, if available.

The CFA’s other recommendations on how to file an insurance claim include:

Maintaining receipts for expenditures related to immediate repairs made to secure your home, or those for living expenses like hotels and meals if you couldn’t return to the home. Check to see what expenses are covered.
Asking the adjuster whether he/she is an employee of the insurance company or an independent adjuster hired by them. Ask if they are authorized to make claim decisions on behalf of your insurance company, and the name of the in-house adjusted to whom they will be sending your information
Although many insurance companies recommend approved contractors through their repair programs, you are not obligated to use theirs, but you may want to get an estimate from them.
Beware of contractors who approach you to offer to repair your home. Check them thoroughly for good references and insurance, check with the Better Business Bureau, and ask your insurance company if they are recognized.