So you’ve had some property damage. Maybe it was a hurricane that affected thousands of people. Maybe it was just your leaking toilet. Either filing a property insurance claim is a process. The key to getting what you really deserve from the insurance company is to follow the process and make sure you have the right team on your side.
Here’s a brief guide to filing your claim in 7 steps:
1. Document the Damage
The first step in filing a claim for property damage is to document the damage. This can be done by taking photos or videos of the damaged property, or by keeping a detailed list of the damages. It is important to be as specific as possible when documenting the damage, as this will determine the compensation you are eligible to receive.
2. Contact Your Insurance Company
Once you have documented the damage, you will need to contact your insurance company and notify them of the situation. Be sure to have your policy number and any other relevant information handy when you call, as this will help the insurance company process your claim more quickly.
3. Submit a Claim Form
After you have notified your insurance company of the damage, you will need to submit a claim form. This form will ask for basic information about the incident, such as when and where it occurred, as well as details about the damage. Once you have completed the form, be sure to keep a copy for your records.
4. Include Supporting Documentation
Besides the completed claim form, you will also need to include supporting documentation with your claim. This may include photos or videos of the damage, repair estimates, or receipts for any repairs that have already been made. Including this documentation will help to ensure that your claim is processed quickly and efficiently.
Part of that supporting documentation should be an estimate made by Xactaquote. Since we’re not contractors, we will not write a low bid just to win the work (knowing we have you over a barrel if there’s something else that needs to be done). The insurance company will always take the lowest bid. Make sure you give them a correct bid to pay your claim from.
5. Keep Track of All Correspondence
It is important to keep track of all correspondence between you and your insurance company during the claims process. This includes any letters, emails, or phone calls made regarding your claim. Keeping track of this correspondence will help you stay organized and ensure that you do not miss any important deadlines.
6. Cooperate With The Insurance Company’s Investigation
Once your claim has been submitted, the insurance company will likely investigate the incident. As part of this investigation, they may request additional documentation or information from you. It is important that you cooperate with their investigation and provide any requested information in a timely manner.
7. Negotiate a Settlement With The Insurance Company
Once the insurance company has completed their investigation, they will make a settlement offer based on their findings. If you feel their offer is fair, you can accept it and receive compensation for the damages incurred. However, if you feel their offer is too low, you can negotiate with them to reach a higher amount.
Part of negotiating a settlement is meeting in the middle, but be sure you’re starting from the right place with your quote. If you’re starting out missing things, it’s only going to make it harder to get back to good later.