Homeowners insurance is a vital part of your financial planning and protection of your property and belongings. 

As a previous blog post said, your homeowner's insurance covers certain risks. Your mortgage company, if you have a mortgage, requires homeowners insurance coverage. Homeowners insurance is an essential part of your financial plan so when covered losses occur, you can claim with your insurance company. ***

Speaking of insurance claims, here is a brief guide on when to file a claim, how to file a claim with your insurance company, and what to do if your claim is denied.

1. File a police report. If your home was broken into, vandalized, burned, or damaged by a vehicle or natural causes, contact the police and file a report. This makes it a public record and it can also be used in filing your claim. 
2. Contact your homeowner's insurance company to file the claim. Speak with someone at your insurance company to detail the claim and find out if your policy covers the loss. Your homeowner's insurance claim rep will let you know if the claim is covered and ask you to complete an online form. If your claim is less than the homeowner's insurance, you won’t have to make a claim. 
3. Fill out the claim forms. Your homeowner's insurance company will have forms you can complete online. Complete this form as soon as possible. 
4. Take photos of the damaged property. Get as much information as you can that may be used as proof of the loss. 
5. Protect the property from further damage. Before meeting the claims adjuster, take immediate steps to protect your property from any more damage. Board up broken windows and place damaged property inside a home or garage. Cover holes in the roof with a tarp. Also, if you have spent any money on repairs to any covered property, save the receipts. You can submit them to the claim representative for reimbursement. (Not all expenses may be reimbursed, so consult with your claim rep.)
6.  Meet with the claims adjuster. Your homeowner’s insurance agency claims adjuster will need to inspect the damage to your home. They will figure out how much the company will pay for the claim. They will interview you about the incident that caused the damage, take pictures, and do any video documentation, receipts, and police reports. Be sure to answer their questions thoroughly and give them any documentation requested. 
7. Get repair cost quotes. After the claim representative has filed the report, the insurance company will make a settlement offer. The claim report closes once the insured has accepted the offer. Confirm that the offer is enough to pay for the repairs. If you disagree with the offer, you can appeal to the claim representative. It is advised to get several (3-4) repair quotes so that you can get the correct amount of money. It also helps you choose the most reputable home repair contractors at a reasonable price. 
8. Claim settlement payoff and close the claim file. After accepting the settlement offer, your insurer will send you a check or transfer the funds electronically for the covered damages under the homeowner’s policy. The payee may also include your mortgage company as it has an insurable interest in the property. Now, you can work with the home contractor to start the repairs.

The main thing to remember is to be calm. This is why you have insurance. It gives you peace of mind. Follow the steps above and it will be a positive experience.

If you have questions about the homeowner’s insurance claim process or would like to find out if your home is properly covered under your homeowner's policy, contact our licensed and experienced insurance consultants at Lindquist Insurance. We can review your coverage with you and make sure your home is fully covered. Call (301) 694-0008 for an appointment. 

We serve the Annapolis, MD, and Frederick, MD areas. 

*** For more information on Maryland homeowners insurance coverage, visit the state website.