It is hard to know what to do, when to do it, who to trust, when to call or not to call.

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1st thing I would suggest is to call the Agent, NOT the insurance company. Even an inquiry to the insurance company will start a claim and if there is not enough damage to meet the deductible you end up with a claim following you for 5 years. Here are some best practices so you can be better prepared and avoid the frustration.

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CLAIMS BEST PRACTICES:

What you need to have:

1. POLICY NUMBER

2. DATE OF LOSS

3. TYPE OF LOSS

4. PROPERTY INVOLVED IN THE LOSS

 

Weather related claims:

1. DATE OF LOSS

2. TIME OF LOSS

3. TYPE OF LOSS – HAIL/WIND/FIRE/WATER

4. WHAT IS DAMAGED OR EFFECTED BY THE LOSS

5. RECEIPTS OR VALUE OF THE LOST ITEMS

6. CHOSE A LOCAL REPUTABLE REPAIR FACILITY OR CONTRACTOR

7. KEEP YOUR AGENT INVOLVED.

 

WHAT TO DO:

1. CALL YOUR AGENT 

2. HAVE YOUR POLICY NUMBER

3. CALL THE INSURANCE COMPANY OR GO ONLINE TO AVOID LONG HOLD TIMES.

4. HAVE PATIENCE – MANY ARE GOING THROUGH THE SAME THING

5. GIVE ACCURATE CONTACT INFO FOR CLAIMS TO GET IN TOUCH WITH YOU

6. IT WILL TAKE UP TO 72 HOURS FOR THE ADJUSTER TO BE IN CONTACT WITH YOU

7. MINIMIZE THE DAMAGES BY TAKING PRECAUTIONS TO PREVENT FURTHER DAMAGE – TARP THE ROOF, COVER UP A CAR WITH BROKEN GLASS ETC.