Insurance Claims
Here’s what you can expect when you submit a claim to your insurance company.
Acknowledgment of Your Claim
- Confirmation: You’ll receive a confirmation from your insurance company that they have received your claim. This may be via email, phone, or mail.
- Claim Number: You’ll be assigned a claim number, which you should use in all future communications regarding the claim.
Initial Review
- Assignment of Adjuster: An insurance adjuster will be assigned to your claim. The adjuster’s job is to investigate and assess the damage or loss.
- Contact from Adjuster: The adjuster will contact you to discuss the details of your claim and may request additional documentation or information.
Inspection and Assessment
- Inspection: The adjuster may schedule an inspection of the damaged property. This can involve a visit to your home or business to assess the damage.
- Estimation of Costs: The adjuster will estimate the cost of repairs or replacement based on the inspection. They may work with contractors or other professionals to get accurate estimates.
Review and Approval
- Claim Review: The insurance company will review the adjuster’s report and determine whether the claim is covered under your policy.
- Approval or Denial: You will be informed whether your claim has been approved, partially approved, or denied. If approved, you’ll receive details on the coverage and any deductible that will apply.
Settlement Offer
- Settlement Proposal: If your claim is approved, the insurance company will make a settlement offer. This is the amount they are willing to pay for your claim.
- Negotiation: You have the right to negotiate the settlement offer if you believe it does not fully cover your loss. This might involve providing additional evidence or estimates.
Payment
- Receiving Payment: Once the settlement is agreed upon, the insurance company will issue payment. This could be directly to you or to your contractor, depending on the situation.
- Partial Payments: In some cases, you may receive an initial payment followed by additional payments as repairs are made.
Repairs and Finalization
- Repair Process: You’ll need to coordinate with contractors to begin the repair process. Keep all receipts and documentation for any work done.
- Final Inspection: Once repairs are completed, there might be a final inspection to ensure everything is in order.
- Claim Closure: Once all payments are made and repairs are completed, the claim will be closed.