What you need to know before filing a claim on your home…

1/31/2020 (Permalink)

Filing an Insurance Claim

When a disaster hits your home, you usually panic and call your agent or insurance company to file a claim. Sometimes that isn’t a good idea because your deductible may be higher than the damage itself. It is best to get an estimate from a restoration company like SERVPRO of Southern McHenry County before you call to file a claim.

Here are some basic rules to follow when filing a claim:

• Check with your agent or assigned adjuster to verify you’re covered for the claim. After heavy rains and hurricanes, many homeowners think they have flood insurance. Traditional homeowners insurance does not cover water damage caused by floods. It is a separate coverage underwritten by the federal government through the National Flood Insurance Program. If you file a claim with your insurance company for something that isn’t covered, the claim itself doesn’t go away from your record.
• If you’re a consistent claimant, your rates are going to be high. It isn’t unusual for a homeowner to file up to two claims in a 10-year period, but more than one or two in a three-year time span and the insurance company will think you’re a high risk.
• Don’t submit claims for what is really a home maintenance project (small incidents). Also, a better maintained home will get better premiums.
• Call a restoration company like SERVPRO of Southern McHenry County to provide free estimates on your damages. They will let you know if the damage is less or more than your deductible. Based on their estimates, you can decide whether or not to file a claim.

Contact your local SERVPRO of Southern McHenry County for free estimates on damages related to water, fire or mold in your home or business.