How to Talk to a Home Insurance Agent When Making a Claim
Having to make a home insurance claim is not going to be on the top of anyone’s to-do list, but sometimes it happens. If it does, it’s good to know the claims process so you can ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible.
Here are 6 tips on how to talk to a home insurance agent:
Make sure the claim is worth it
Whenever you make a claim, you run the risk of your insurer increasing your rates. If you believe that the cost of repairing the damage to your home is about the cost of your deductible, it might be better to “self-insure” and pay the bill yourself.
Just the facts, please
Insurance companies deal in quantifiable facts. When you discover damage to your home, it’s important to find some way of documenting the evidence as soon as possible. Take pictures of everything or walk through and video everything as you found it.
As you talk to a home insurance agent and describe the problems, make sure you are as thorough as possible. If it helps, think of your report to the insurance company like a statement to the police. Time, date, and damage found.
Repair any damage that poses a risk
If you’re in the middle of a rainstorm and there’s water pouring in through a hole in your roof, don’t wait for an insurance-approved contractor to phone you to schedule an appointment. Do what you need to do to keep you and your family safe and minimize further damage to your home.
The only caveat is that you report any measures taken to your insurance company as soon as possible. They need to know what’s happened so they can proceed accordingly.
Be present for all inspections
At some point or another, an insurance adjuster or inspector may come out to your home – especially if the claim is likely to be expensive for your insurer. Set up an appointment with the adjuster and make sure you are present for any inspections made on your home.
These visits can be an important opportunity to point out any specifics they might miss or clear up any confusion on issues. It’s a good time to advocate for yourself when you talk to a home insurance agent and get any questions answered.
Pay attention to the paperwork
Your insurance company loves paperwork and until your claim is settled, you love paperwork too. If they send you forms to fill out or quotes to review, make sure you go through them in a timely fashion and be
thorough in completing everything that’s asked of you.
You’ll also want to document all phone calls, keep all email correspondence, and any other forms that are exchanged between you and your insurer.
Be cooperative but don’t be a pushover
When dealing with your insurer, try to be polite and professional in all your interactions. Regardless of the situation, honey attracts more bees than vinegar. That doesn’t mean you can’t keep on top of the company to ensure things are moving along though. Call them regularly to get updates on the status of your claim.
Also, if you believe that your insurer owes you for losses that you can prove, lobby them to make it right. Provide your documentation or other proof and watch the process work.
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