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Claim Your Insurance Lottery Ticket

VII

The process of an insurance claim

Initial Stage

The first thing you need to do when filing a homeowners insurance
claim is to document the damage. Photograph all damaged property before
you clean up the scene of the incident. You'll need to submit these
photographs as proof to defend your claim. Next, contact your insurance
agent to initiate the claims process. Having your policy number and an
explanation of the damage ready will help you initiate your claim. Your agent
will be able further explain how you're covered and make recommendations
for local repair services. Most insurance companies allow you to easily file a
claim online. However, you can also contact them by calling the phone
number listed on your policy. We recommend doing this as early as possible,
both to expedite your claim and also to reduce the chance that your claim will
be denied.

Field Observation

Many people might be surprised that having an adjuster look at your
claim is only the beginning of the insurance claim process. Remember, the
field adjuster that inspected your property may not be an employee of the
insurance company. They are typically independent adjusters on contract and
typically are paid a set fee or percentage for each claim they handle. This is
especially true during disaster situations Like Hurricane Irma when there are
so many claims to adjust, there is a shortage of qualified adjusters and they
are hard pressed to get to as many claims as possible. You should ask them
what firm they are with when they come to inspect your property and note how
thorough they are recording your damage and if they are “listening” to you.

Inspection Process (​Adjustment)

Typically, the company will send an insurance adjuster to determine
the cause and total cost of the damage. Their assessment will dictate whether
your insurance company accepts responsibility for the cost and how much you
will be reimbursed. For example, if an adjuster determines that water damage
is the result of your own lack of maintenance, they will advise the insurance
company to deny your claim. On the other hand, if you can prove that the
damage was not due to your own negligence, they will evaluate the damaged
property, and you'll be reimbursed according to the terms of your policy.
Keep in mind that if your policy includes a ​deductible​, you'll have to pay
this amount before receiving any reimbursement from your insurance
provider. Additionally, the amount you will receive will depend on your
coverage type and limits. The more information you have about your
damaged possessions -- a description of the item, approximate date of

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