We recently sat down with Rory, one of our Claims experts, to get some “insider tips” when it comes to filing a home insurance claim.
1. Have you ever had to file a claim yourself?
Yes, just a few years ago actually. My basement flooded after a summer rainstorm. I have to say, I was pretty grateful that I was able to draw on my professional experience. It definitely helped make the whole process a lot easier.
2. Do you have an example of how you were able to make the process easier?
Well, for one thing I took a ton of notes! It was almost like keeping a journal of everything I did during that time. For instance, I recorded the fact that I tried to get rid of any standing water, that I cleaned up some of the debris… I even made note of washing any clothes that were soiled during the clean-up! I know it might seem a bit much, but if you keep track of all those details and your time for doing your own emergency work, your insurance adjuster may be able to credit a portion of your deductible.
3. Is there anything that homeowners often miss when filing a claim?
Sometimes if the incident is a result of a faulty or failed part (like a dishwasher, fridge or sump pump), the homeowner will throw the part away. If this happens to you, you should hang on to it because we might be able to recover some of the claimed amount from the manufacturer, the installer or whoever it is that’s at fault.
4. If there’s one thing you’d tell a homeowner to do when filing a claim, what would it be?
Take photos. LOTS of photos. And videos. Make sure you capture the extent of damage to the contents and building. If you really want to be proactive, have photos or videos taken of your home in its current state (pre-damage) so you can make a comparison.
5. So everything worked out okay with your claim?
It did! I went with the contractors that my insurance company recommended, and all of the clean-up and repairs were taken care of quickly and on budget. Plus, my insurance company paid the contractors directly so I didn’t have to worry about it. I’m happy to report that everything is back to normal!