Five Steps to Preparing and Filing Your Homeowners Insurance Claim

1. Give immediate notice to your insurance company of your home insurance claim. Call your independent agent (C.H. Edwards, Inc.) to file a claim for any damages that may have incurred. C.H. Edwards, Inc. will give you information on what steps to take next for your particular policy. It is best to keep your C.H. Edwards' phone number and policy number in your wallet so you will have the information if it is not accessible in your home. Also, keep track of all communication by you and your C.H. Edwards regarding your homeowner’s insurance claim.

2. Document and assess the damage to your property. Try to document damage by using a video camera and/or digital camera along with written documentation of all damage you immediately notice and keep those documentation items handy for any future damage you discover.

3. Make any temporary repairs you can. You are responsible for preventing future damage, so try to make any immediate repairs you can such as putting a tarp over a leaky roof. Also, make sure you save the receipts for supplies that were used so you can be reimbursed for these expenses (make sure the expenses are reasonable to avoid a denial in reimbursement).

4. Compile a list of items you suspect are damaged or missing. Go one room at a time and have the whole family there to help remember everything that was previously in the room. If you have replacement cost coverage on your personal property items, many of your items should be replaced new, even if their current value is below that cost (ex: a new couch will replace an old couch that may have been only worth a few dollars) so it is important to remember everything that was damaged. This step is much easier if previously an inventory list of items that was already compiled and kept in a safe place away from the home.

5. Wait patiently. If your area has just been through a severe disaster, people with more severe damage will most likely be handled first. Keep in touch with C.H. Edwards during your waiting period to get updates on how your homeowner’s insurance claim is coming along. If you feel you are not being treated fairly or your claim is being handled inappropriately, you can contact your state insurance commissioner to file a complaint. Do not forget your loss of use coverage usually available in your homeowner’s insurance policy, which will cover reasonable living expenses if you cannot live in your home during repairs or have been denied access by a government order.

As always, our professional customer service representatives at C.H. Edwards are here to help you with any questions or concerns should the need arise.