A claim is a formal request to your insurance company for compensation after you experience a covered loss.
A claim is a formal request to your insurance company to pay for a loss your policy covers.
Most home insurance policies include a section called “Conditions” that lists your duties as a policyholder. This is where your find instructions for making a claim. Policies and providers may have different requirements, but most want you to:
Prompt reporting of a loss is essential. Depending on the situation, a delay may mean your insurance company can deny your claim — leaving you on the hook for repairs, medical bills, and lawsuits.
Once you alert your insurance company about the claim, it will most likely send you claims forms. By law, you have to return them to your provider’s claims department within a certain number of days. Review these and fill them out carefully to avoid delayed claim payments.
Your insurance provider might also send an insurance adjuster. This person investigates your loss and offers you a settlement for repairs based on your policy terms and coverage limits. For example, your settlement offer may take into account:
Your adjuster may pay your claim the day they investigate. Even if you accept that settlement, you can still reopen your claim if you find additional damage. Most policies give you a year after the loss event to file, but ask your agent to be sure.
Filing a claim can be daunting if you don’t know what to expect. These tips may help make the claims process easier:
Preparing for trouble helps you get back to your life faster. Get more risk management tips here.
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Kin Insurance Inc (Kin) is an independent insurance agency. Coverage varies by carrier. Coverage explanations and scenarios are hypothetical and not guarantees of coverage. A quote on the Kin website is not a binding agreement. Coverage may not be available in all states. Coverage terms and exclusions are governed by your insurance policy.