Homeowner Insurance Claims

First comes the evacuation, a mad scramble for insurance documents, financial statements, family heirlooms and anything else you can grab. As you drive away, smoke shrouds the windows, flames lick the rooftop. Your home is reduced to ashes.

After the fire trucks and reporters have gone, you're left with a charred concrete and lingering emotional trauma. You must deal with door-to-door solicitors and fend off shady contractors and other scam artists who prey on disaster victims. And if part of the house is left standing, you'll need to secure the property to fend off looters.

Now the Big Question: What do I do now?

What's the first step?

After securing your family's safety, contact your agent or your insurance company as soon as possible.

What documents should I be prepared to provide?

It's helpful to have copies of your insurance policy and "declarations" page, which details your specific coverage limits.  A comprehensive inventory of your home's contents, including photographs or video records will smooth the process.

What if my insurance documents were destroyed in the fire?

Your insurance company should have all of your policy information on file, so you will still be covered. But it makes sense to always keep your home's inventory in a readily accessible safe, secure location such as a fire proof safe or a safety deposit box at your financial institution, because that will be difficult, if not impossible to reconstruct in the aftermath of disaster.

If I'm burned out of my home, what documentation do I need to be reimbursed for expenses?

Fire victims should keep receipts for all hotel rooms, food and staples bought to maintain their regular standard of living. Coverage for additional living expenses is standard with homeowner's policies at most insurers. You may want to make sure you have it when you do your annual coverage checkup.

What if I'm a renter?

Renters insurance typically covers the customer's personal belongings and emergency living expenses, so the same advice applies: Keep an up-to-date home inventory, and save receipts if you are forced to leave. Landlords, conversely, will generally be covered for lost rent.

What do I need to process my claim?

• Be prepared to give your agent or insurance representative a description of the damage. Your agent will report the loss to your insurance company or to a qualified adjuster who will contact you as soon as possible to inspect the damage. Be sure to give your agent a telephone number where you can be reached.
• Take photos of the damaged areas. These will help you with the claims process and will assist the adjuster in the investigation.
• Prepare a detailed inventory of all damaged or destroyed personal property. Be sure to make two copies -- one for yourself and one for the adjuster. Your list should be as complete as possible, including a description of the items, dates of purchase or approximate age, cost at time of purchase and estimated replacement cost.
• Collect canceled checks, invoices, receipts or other papers that will assist the adjuster in obtaining the value of the destroyed property.
• Make whatever temporary repairs you can. Cover broken windows, damaged roofs and walls to prevent further destruction. Save receipts for supplies and materials you purchase. Your insurance company will reimburse you for reasonable expenses in making temporary repairs.
• Secure a detailed estimate for permanent repairs to your home from a reliable contractor and give it to the adjuster. The estimate should contain the proposed repairs, repair costs and replacement prices.
• Serious losses will be given priority. Losses will be adjusted and claims paid as quickly as possible but hardship cases are usually handled first. If your home has been destroyed or seriously damaged, your agent will do everything possible to assure you are given priority.
• The Insurance Information Institute has also prepared a free brochure "Settling An Insurance Claim After A Disaster." Consumers can get a copy by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the Insurance Information Institute, 110 William Street , New York , NY , 10038 or by accessing III's web site at: www.iii.org.

In addition, the Institute for Business & Home Safety has information on what a home owner and business owner can do to increase their protection against everyday storms as well as natural disasters. Visit their Web site at www.disastersafety.org.

The following insurance companies have set up 800 hotlines for those insureds.

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