Property insurance can save you a lot of headaches when you’re unfortunate enough to have something go wrong in your home. Whether it’s damage caused by a natural disaster or you’ve been victimised in a burglary, having a comprehensive home and contents insurance plan will help you to quickly recover from your losses. However, getting insured and making a claim are two different experiences, and if you’re not prepared for the latter, you could end up not getting the benefits you deserve. To help you out, here are the steps you need to take so you can make a successful claim on your insurance.
First, Contact Your Insurer
Make sure you reach out to your insurance provider as soon as possible after an event occurs. Some types of policies may have a time limit on when you can lodge a claim, so informing them quickly is always a good idea, even if you’re not even sure what the full extent of the damage may be.
If the damage has made your home unliveable for the time being, ask your insurer about provisions for temporary accommodations or housing. Some providers may give you a list of your options or let you choose your housing up to a certain amount. If they tell you to pay for the accommodation upfront and they will simply reimburse you in the future, make sure that you get that in writing and you keep all your receipts.
You should also talk to your insurance provider before making any kind of emergency repairs after an incident. Most firms have their preferred repair services and suppliers who can help you with things like removing debris.
Second, Start The Claim Process
Even if you don’t have your policy documents or information, your insurer should be able to provide you with details about your plan and its inclusions. They will then need to review the claim you’ve made to check if the event is covered by your policy. Provide them with any evidence they ask for, such as photographs or police reports. In Australia, there’s a General Insurance Code that specifies what insurance providers should do when a client files a claim. Typically, they need to comply within certain time frames for updating you and making a final decision on your claim.
Third, Get An Assessment
The insurance company will usually appoint a professional to assess the nature of your claim and whether it merits a payout. Depending on how bad the damage is, it can take weeks to get things properly assessed. If it so happens that your claim gets denied, your insurance provider needs to give you a document detailing the reason for their decision and what part of the claim they deny. Meanwhile, you have the right to request copies of any reports they made and file a complaint if you’re not satisfied with the outcome.
Fourth, Review the Scope of Work After a Successful Claim
If your claim gets approved and it involves any repairs or rebuilding, you should receive a written statement detailing the work that needs to be done and the products that will be used, along with a breakdown of costs. Your insurer may even opt to settle your claim by offering to handle or project manage the repair work or offer you a cash payout.
To know more about home insurance, take the time to visit the Property Insurance Plus website today!
