Step One: Contact Your Broker Immediately
Contact your broker by phone or online (Rick’s – Submitting claims electronically)
Give your name, address, policy number, and the date and time of your loss.
Make sure to tell them where you can be reached, especially if you are unable to stay in your home.
Your insurance broker will arrange for an adjustor to visit your property and assess the damage.
Click here for after hours claims service (Rick’s - After hours claims)
Step Two: Carefully Document Your Losses
Safety First! Before entering a building, check for structural damage. Don t go in if there is any chance of the building collapsing. Be careful walking around. Upon entering the building, do not use open flames, since gas may be trapped inside. Instead, use your flashlight to light your way. Keep power off until an electrician has inspected your system for safety.
Make a detailed list of lost or damaged property.
Videotape or photograph damaged property before beginning any repairs.
Do not throw away damaged property without your adjustor's approval.
Try to document the value of each object lost. Bills of sale, canceled checks, charge account records, and insurance evaluations are good evidence. If you have no such records, estimate the value, and give purchase place and date of purchase. Include this information with your list.
List cleaning and repair bills, including materials, cost of rental equipment, and depreciation of purchased equipment.
A list of any additional living expenses you incur if your home is so severely damaged that you have to find other accommodations while repairs are being made, including motel and restaurant bills, home rental or car rental.
Protect Your Property from Further Damage or Theft
Patch roofs temporarily. Cover broken windows with boards or plastic.
If household furnishings are exposed to weather, move them to a safe location for storage.
Working with Your Adjustor
Your insurance agent will arrange for an adjustor to visit your property and assess the damage.
Be sure that you or a trusted advisor is present when the adjustor visits the site.
Work with the adjustor. It is their job to assist you and review your claim. The adjustor will inspect your list of lost or damaged property. The adjustor will work with you to calculate the value of the items on the list and prepare a repair estimate of damage to the property.
You and your adjustor need to come to an agreement as to the scope of damage, which is an agreement as to what needs to be repaired or replaced without a dollar amount.
Make sure you know what needs to be done to follow up on this agreement and why. If you do not, ask the adjustor for instructions in writing.
Contact Us
if you have any questions.
