How to File a Property Insurance Claim: A Step-by-Step Guide

When your property is damaged due to any reason, be it natural or man-made, it can seem the sky is falling. Then, on top of that, filing a property insurance claim and having to deal with insurance providers can feel like yet another burden to bear. 

The situation brings enough stress; dealing with insurance companies should not add to it. But knowing the steps to take can at least ease this part of the process and allow the policyholder to focus on more critical aspects of life. 

However, if you feel that the insurance companies’ offer is short, or you run into some other type of difficulty with your claim, do not hesitate to contact an attorney with experience in this areas, such as Justin Cernitz from Cernitz Law. With this understood, let’s take a look at every step to filing a property claim. 

Step 1: Review Your Insurance Policy

Review your property insurance policy before filing a claim. Know the coverage, exclusions, and limits of your policy. Understand what type of damage is covered and any deductibles you might have to pay. Also, make certain your property is insured for the correct amount and your policy is up-to-date.

Step 2: Document the Damage

Justin Cernitz from Cernitz Law instructs that after you have secured your property, it is time to document the damage. This means not only taking photos and videos of the visible damage to your property, but also capturing wide-angle shots of the most affected areas within your structural space. 

Close-up images of specific types of damage, like shattered windows, water-soaked interiors, or areas charred by fire, will also be crucial to your insurance claim and ensuring future repairs are made. 

Step 3: Contact Your Insurance Company

As soon as the damage occurs, let your insurance company know. Most insurance policies require you to file a claim within a specific period, usually just a few days or weeks after the damage happens. 

When you contact them, have some basic details handy, such as your policy number. And have a detailed description of the incident prepared. 

Step 4: File the Claim

As soon as you get in touch with your insurance provider, they will ask you to fill out a claim form. This document will need your basic information, as well as some basic details like the nature of the damage, a rundown of the property, and any photos or visuals you’ve managed to gather thus far. 

Step 5: Meet with the Adjuster

Your insurance firm will assign an adjuster to evaluate the damage that has occurred. The adjuster’s job is to not only assess the damage but also to estimate the amount of money you will receive form the insurance company for repairs and replacement of your property and any individual items that may have incurred damage. 

If Your Claim Hits a Legal Snag, Contact Justin Cernitz from Cernitz Law for Further Assistance

It doesn’t have to be stressful to file a claim for property insurance. If you follow these simple steps (know your policy, document the damage, work with your adjuster, and review the settlement) you can make the process go smoother and keep your chances of getting fair compensation for your loss intact. 

But if you run into any difficulty in this process, legal or financial, you should immediately seek out the consultation of an experienced attorney.