Six Steps in the Insurance Claims Process
Have you recently suffered from extensive damages to your home caused by storms, fire, hurricane, or water? These damages can cause major issues when it comes to the function and safety of your home, and they will often times need to be mitigated and repaired as soon as possible. When these damages are extensive enough, they may even prompt you to file property claims in Hillsborough County. As insurance adjusters, we understand the ins and outs of the insurance claims process. Let's take a closer look into what you can expect when you file a property claim with your homeowner's insurance company.
Mitigation of Damages
One of the first concerns is the mitigation of any further damages. If you are suffering from flooding or water concerns, you will want to dry the area and remove electronics so that you can minimize any further damage. Also, make sure that everyone is safe and secure before anything else. By mitigating further damage, you show your insurance company that you have done everything in your power to minimize the claims.
Evaluation of Coverages
As a public adjuster, we want to know exactly what types of coverages you have through your insurance policy. Every homeowner's policy is different, and you will want to take the time to familiarize yourself with this information before you even file. By understanding your coverages, you then know if it is worthwhile to file a claim or not.
Claim Preparation
Prepare your insurance claim properly by contacting your insurance company to ask for the proper documentation you need to start the process. You will want to supply them with pictures, evidence of any valuables or materials destroyed, and any other information that is important to the process. By having evidence, you will be able to move the process along much faster and get a fair settlement.
Valuation of Property Damages
After the claims are filed, your insurance company will have the damages assessed and evaluated. This will provide them with the information they need to proceed with a proper settlement. Also, if you are concerned about using their adjusters, you may want to consider using one of your own.
Negotiations and Settlement
Once the valuation of property is complete and the paperwork is drawn, your insurance company will present you with a settlement. This will then open up any negotiations that need to occur in order to make sure that both parties are happy with the price. This process can be lengthy until both the policyholder and the insurance company can compromise on a fair settlement.
Property Restoration
After the settlement, contractors will then begin to restore the property to its original state. This can involve lengthy repairs, construction projects to replace structures or materials, or even just making new purchases to replace lost belongings.
These are a few of the steps that you can expect when you are working through the insurance claims process with your insurance company. Anytime you need to file property claims in Hillsborough County, you will want to
