If a fire breaks out or some of your valuable property is stolen, homeowners insurance will help cover the cost of repairs or replacements. While every carrier strives to offer the best service possible, how quickly your claim is processed depends largely on the steps you take beforehand. Below are a few tips for making the claims process as seamless as possible.

How to File a Homeowners Insurance Claim

1. Check Your Policy

Every insurance policy has exclusions that may not be covered by your provider. Check your policy before filing a claim. If you file a claim without realizing the incident isn’t covered, the insurance provider may still consider it a claim, which could affect your policy rates.

The policy may also have separate coverage limits for certain types of property. For instance, you may have $100,000 in personal property protection, but only $5,000 can go towards jewelry. Most policies also require you to file within a certain time period following an incident.

2. File a Report

Contact the authorities after a fire, burglary, or personal injury accident. Police or fire department reports can be powerful pieces of evidence that support your claim and streamline the approval process.

This isn’t always necessary for leaking roofs or floods, but if the authorities are called to your residence, give them as much detail as possible. The insurance adjuster can refer to this report when navigating the claims process. 

3. Document the Damage

Before contacting the insurance company, document the damage as thoroughly as possible. This is especially important if you need to make temporary repairs to keep the damage from spreading. Pictures, videos, and notes from a contractor can help prove the severity of the damage, and your insurer might be able to expedite your claim.

Insurance Savers provides comprehensive policies and personalized service to homeowners throughout the Phoenix metro area. This agency has a network of over 70 providers and offices in Glendale, Mesa, and Phoenix, AZ. They’re dedicated to finding their customers the most affordable rates to fit their needs. Visit them online for more on their homeowners insurance services, or call (602) 265-9311 to reach their office in Phoenix. To request a quote from their Glendale office, call (623) 777-1933, or dial (480) 345-2277 to speak with an agent in Mesa.