I Have to File an Insurance Claim- Now What?

Whether you have experienced a major catastrophe or a small fender-bender, having to file any type of home, auto or business insurance claim can be stressful.  Given what the East Coast has just exerienced with Hurricane Sandy, here are a few helpful tips to make the experience easier for you.

All Property Insurance Claims

Every insurance policy includes a section of conditions that specifies your duties after a loss.  Be sure to read through this portion of your policy to avoid any surprises.

• Report the claim as soon as possible
• Notify the police if there was a theft loss
• Protect property from further damage.  If repairs required, you must: 

1. Make reasonable and necessary repairs to protect property, and
2. Keep an accurate record of repair expenses.

Making reasonable and necessary repairs would apply if say a tree fell on the roof and damaged your home or commercial building.  Many clients of Holt Proctor McBriarty Insurance Agency ask if they can remove the tree.  If leaving the tree would cause a dangerous situation or more damage, by all means move it!  If possible take pictures of the tree on your home and keep all receipts of any expenses paid.

You should contact the appropriate contractor/shop to get an estimate of damages as soon as possible.  Insurance companies only have so many adjusters available to them, so when a wide-spread catastrophe happens (like Hurricane Sandy) you may be waiting for the adjuster for several days.  Having a professional estimate of damages ready will expedite the settlement of your claim.

Though you should get an estimate of damages, do not make final/permanent repairs unless the adjuster has given the go ahead.  There may be a discrepancy between your estimate and what the insurance company is willing to pay.  Open communication, and not assumptions, is critical for a positive claims experience.

Homeowner and Commercial Property Claims

Prepare an inventory of damaged property showing the quantity, description, actual cash value and amount of loss.  Attach all bills, receipts and related documents that justify figures in the inventory if available.  Though this may seem daunting, it is now a lot easier with the availability of information online.   It is even easier if you have made an inventory list prior to the claim.  There are resources available to help with this process so give your insurance professional a call to discuss.

Auto Claims

If your car is not drivable, keep on top of the storage fees and number of days you are renting a car (if applicable).  Most car insurance policies have a maximum rental period of 30 days.  This does not mean that the insurance company will automatically pay for all 30 days, as it is determined by the estimate  submitted to the insurance company.  In nearly all cases, even if a total loss, the insurance company will not go beyond the 30 days, so if you suspect a possible total, you should begin looking for a replacement vehicle as soon as possible.

Also be aware that if your car is sitting in storage waiting to be towed to a shop, the facility can charge anywhere from $20 - $80 a day for just sitting there.  Be sure you are working with the insurance company to get the car moved as soon as possible; otherwise the insurance company may not pick up all the storage fees.

For more information on filing a claim, visit the NH Insurance Department's web site.  Though the press release was written specifically for Hurricane Sandy, it does apply to most property claims.

This blog is in no way attempting to guarantee or interpret coverage for every type of insurance.  It is simply advice based on the many years of experience the employees of Holt Proctor McBriarty has had dealing with claims.  If you would like specific advice about your policy, we suggest your contact your own insurance professional.

Written by April McBriarty-Weismann of Holt Proctor McBriarty Insurance Agency in Milford, NH.