The Business and Homeowners Insurance Property Damage Claim Process
Before there is property damage or a claim occurs, the first thing you should do is take photos or a video of your property or contents. This practice can apply to homeowners, renters, or businesses. On a rainy day at home or during off-peak hours in your business, go around your property and take pictures or videos of the structure and contents. Once you have taken the photos or videos, send them to your insurance agent, we have a secure server we can keep the pictures or videos on and can be utilized if there is a claim in the future.
Now, let’s get into the claim reporting process after there is property damage. Here are the steps to take for reporting property damage claims:
How To Report A Property Damage Claim
1. Notify your insurance agent or insurance company to begin the claims process. They note the date and how the claim occurred, what was damaged, and any other parties involved. Once that’s completed, we will have a claim number, and an adjuster will be assigned to your claim. You should expect to hear back from an adjuster or claims representative in 24 business hours.
Your insurance advisor should contact a local remediation and restoration team to start your property's cleaning or drying process as soon as possible.
2. Document, Document, Document. Survey the damage and document: Take photos or video of the damage. Keep an Excel spreadsheet to inventory your damaged property, and gather receipts of repairs/expenses if possible. The pictures and video will be used by the insurance company claims adjuster and will help speed up your claim. In addition, business owners will need this information to apply for special assistance programs. You should also send this information and documentation to your insurance agent to keep in your file.
3. Stop any additional damage:
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Cover any exposed areas, such as your roof, to avoid additional damage.
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If you have water damage, use fans and dehumidifiers to help speed drying and stop further damage once the water recedes.
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If repairs need to be made, you may need to contact a contractor, be sure to keep any receipts or invoices and provide them to the claims adjuster for settlement. Do not make permanent repairs until the adjuster has inspected the damage.
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Separate the damaged and undamaged property. Do not discard damaged property until the adjuster has inspected the property.
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As always, we are here for you if you need to report a claim, need claim assistance, or have coverage questions. Contact us anytime.