HELP! I’ve Never Filed a Homeowners Claim Before:
A Simple How to Guide
Homeowners Insurance policies are agreements between an insurance carrier and an insured where the insurance company agrees to pay for losses caused by certain events. But what exactly is a claim, you ask?
An insurance claim is a request to your insurance company to cover the cost of certain damage. But how do you file one?
Let’s take a look at how to file a claim.
1. Control the situation
The first step, and sometimes the best step, in a claim takes place before you ever contact your insurance company. The first thing to do is to control and minimize the damage to your home. If you have a leak, get the water turned off. If you need a tarp on the roof, call a roofer. The point is to address the emergency, so it doesn’t get worse.
2. Gather Info and Estimates
Once the situation is under control, the next step is to contact some professionals. You might need to get a bid from a roofer or a plumber, or a flooring company. At this step you are trying to figure out exactly what happened, what caused the damage, and what it’s going to cost to fix it. The compare these numbers to your deductible. If the amount is lower than your deductible, you may not want to file a claim.
3. Contact your insurance carrier
When it’s time to file just call your carrier and file a claim. You will need the Date of Loss, your Policy Number and some general information about the situation. Once filed, an adjuster should be reaching out in 2-3 business days to schedule a time to evaluate the situation. Some carriers allow you to file online or on an app. But if you are unsure, or have any doubts – call the carrier!
4. Call us with any questions and update your policy
As an insurance agency, we are not employed by the insurance carriers, so we do not adjust the claim, but we can help answer questions and keep the process on track. We are here to help, so reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns. Please be sure and let us know when things are done so we can be sure your policy is up to date. For example, if you have a roof claim and get a new roof, we want to be sure and update your policy!
Trusted Insurance Partners LLC is a full-service independent insurance agency founded in 2016. Unlike an 800#, TIP offers personalized service tailored to your needs. With thousands of satisfied customers across Texas, we provide comprehensive coverage options from top-rated carriers. Experience the difference of working with a local agency dedicated to helping you and your family. Contact us today at 469-656-8477 for more information.