Home insurance claims are invaluable when your house is damaged or an accident occurs on your property. It’s important to file correctly so that you receive the right amount of money and enjoy a stress-free process. There are common pitfalls homeowners face their first time when filing a claim. Review this helpful guide to ensure a positive outcome.

Do:

Contact your insurance agent right away.

Once you’re safe, contact your insurance agent. The sooner you report the damage, the sooner you can work toward repairing your home.

They’ll dispatch a claims adjuster to assess the damage and advise on the proper documents to collect, such as a fire marshal’s report if the property experienced a fire. Agents provide invaluable advice and can answer any questions you have about the claims process.

Take photos.

Claims adjusters sometimes can’t come right away. Once the home has been deemed safe by emergency personnel, take as many pictures as you can. These are proof of damage, and the more detailed you are, the more accurate your compensation will be.

Photograph all affected items, damage to the property, vehicles, and outbuildings, and damage to high-value belongings and electronics in your home. The insurance company will use this evidence to validate the claim.

Don’t:

Sign an Assignment of Benefits.

Contractors sometimes issue Assessment of Benefits (AOB) forms before starting repairs. This document gives them total control over the claims process, including the money.

While some contractors do this to make the process easier for the homeowners, others may abuse it by collecting payments and not completing the job. It’s best to hire contractors approved by your insurance carrier. These professionals are carefully vetted and will provide honest repairs without an AOB.

Throw away receipts.

Receipts are evidence for reimbursements you may qualify for. If you have to stay in a hotel or move possessions to a storage unit during repairs, the home insurance carrier will often cover the costs. Keep all of these receipts in a safe location, and consider uploading them to a computer so that you have backups.

There’s no replacement for home insurance, so contact Consolidated Agency Inc. if you’re exploring policies. This Rochester, NY, agency has helped residents secure coverage since 1988 and offers a variety of plans. An agent will walk you through auto policies, commercial and business insurance, and liability coverage to ensure you’re protected. Call (585) 467-4110 to speak with an agent, or visit their website to learn more about their plans. Receive more tips and insights by subscribing to their Facebook.