DURING THE CLAIM: HOW TO GET AN INSURANCE SETTLEMENT MORE QUICKLY
There are steps you can take during the claim to speed up the claims process.
TAKE PHOTOS AND VIDEOS OF THE DAMAGE ASAP
After a major insurance claim, your insurer requires evidence of the damage. Take photos and videos of the damage as soon as possible.
Remember: the restoration company will start to restore and repair the damage. If you don’t take photos or videos of the damage today, then you might miss your opportunity.
Once it’s safe to do so, take photos and videos of the damage around your property. The more evidence you have, the smoother and faster your claim will be.
TAKE STEPS TO LIMIT FURTHER DAMAGE
Your insurance policy most likely does not cover damage that occurs after a covered event that could have been avoided – like rain damage that occurs for weeks after a fire previously tore a hole in your roof. It’s crucial to limit further damage to your property after a disaster.
Take steps to mitigate further damage. Put up tarps to cover holes in your roof. Remove damaged items if needed to prevent further damage. Contact a 24/7 emergency restoration crew as soon as possible.
BE PRESENT WHEN THE ADJUSTER INSPECTS THE DAMAGE
It’s important to be there when the adjuster
arrives. When you’re on scene, you can explain
exactly what happened
to the adjuster. You can answer questions, solve
ambiguities, and identify exactly what was damaged.
Your insurance company’s adjuster plays a crucial role in the claims process. You will interact with the adjuster regularly. If you’re present from the first moment your adjuster arrives, you start the relationship on the right foot.
KEEP THE RECEIPTS
YOUR CLAIM WILL GO MORE QUICKLY IF YOU HAVE RECEIPTS FOR ALL OF THESE EXPENSES. YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY WILL ASK HOW MUCH YOU SPENT AFTER MOVING OUT OF YOUR HOME.
IF YOU CAN PROVIDE SPECIFIC RECEIPTS INSTEAD OF VAGUE NUMBERS, THEN YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY IS MORE LIKELY TO APPROVE YOUR CLAIM – AND NOT REQUEST FURTHER EVIDENCE TO SLOW DOWN YOUR CLAIM.