For all Massachusetts residents, when winter is over, it’s time to enjoy the blooming flowers, the green on trees and lawns, barbecues, outdoor activities, etc. Well, this is also one of the times of the year with most home insurance claims!
The cold and wetness of winter can bring unfortunate surprises, such as home damage. A falling tree or branch, a roof leak, water infiltrations, broken gutters, and more.
If you’re a homeowner, then you know that homeowners insurance in MA is a must. But what happens when you need to file a claim? How can you make sure that you get the most out of your claim?
Here are some homeowners insurance claims tips to keep in mind to make this process easy, and avoid misunderstandings or mistakes that could delay or deny the process:
Table of Contents
1. Don’t wait too long to file a claim
If you wait too long to file a claim, your insurance company may deny your claim. So, as soon as you notice any damage, give them a call.
Contact your agent or insurance company as soon as possible! As soon as you realize that you may need to file a homeowners insurance claim, call your agent or insurance company. Some companies have a 24-hour hotline that you can use. Have your policy number ready when you call.
2. Take pictures or videos of the damage:
If possible, take pictures or videos of the damage before you start making repairs. This can be helpful in documenting the extent of the damage for your insurance company.
3. Gather all the necessary documentation
When you call your insurance company, they will ask you for certain documentation. This may include:
- police report (if applicable),
- photos of the damage,
- repair estimates, etc.
So, have all this ready before you call. But remember, act fast!
Gather documentation and receipts: Once you’ve started making repairs, be sure to keep all documentation and receipts. This will be important when it comes time to file your claim.
4. Be honest with your insurer
It’s important that you be honest with your insurer from the start. If you try to hide something or withhold information, they may deny your insurance claim.
5. Don’t make any repairs before the adjuster arrives
If possible, don’t make any repairs before the public insurance adjuster arrives. This is because they need to see the damage firsthand in order to process your claim.
If it is NOT possible to wait, DON’T WAIT! Jump right to the next tips.
6 . Don’t wait to make serious repairs
If the damage is more significant, don’t wait to get started on repairs. The longer you wait, the greater the chance that the damage will become worse and cost more to repair. In addition, some insurance policies require that you take reasonable steps to protect your property from further damage, so it’s important to act quickly.
Other damages caused by the initial problem not being solved fast, can raise doubts and more work to investigate whether or not that should be covered, so make sure to follow the next tip!
7. Keep good records:
Keep good records of all correspondence with your insurance company, including the date and time of phone calls, names of people you spoke with, and what was discussed. This will be important in case there are any disputes later on.
Keep a diary of events: As you go through the process of filing your homeowner’s insurance claim, keep a diary of all events related to the claim. This can include conversations with your insurance company, dates when you made repairs, etc. This will be helpful if there are any questions or disputes later on.
Keep track of all expenses related to the damage
Make sure to keep track of all expenses related to the damage, such as hotel stays, replacement items, etc. Your insurance company will likely reimburse you for these expenses.
8. Be patient:
The process of filing a homeowners insurance claim can be time-consuming and frustrating. But it’s important to be patient and understand that your insurance company is working to make sure you are fairly compensated for the damage.
Conclusion
We hope these homeowners insurance tips are helpful! Following them will help you to get the most out of your claim and avoid any delays or problems. If you have any questions, be sure to contact your agent or insurance company. They will be able to guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have.
Homeowners should always be prepared for the unexpected. That means having updated home insurance and knowing what to do when you have to make a claim. Hopefully, you will never need to file a claim, but if you do, make sure to follow these tips. Have you had any recent incidents or accidents with your gutters? If so, give us a call for a free estimate gutter replacement in MA! We can help you get your home back in order as quickly as possible.
