3 tips to make filing a home insurance claim easier

No homeowner wants to think about their home being damaged by a natural disaster, fire, or flood. But these things happen, and homeowners must be prepared with adequate home insurance. According to Quadrant Information Services, in 2024, the average cost of homeowners insurance was $2728, or $227/month. This average, though, can vary widely depending on factors like where you live, the risk of extreme weather events, crime rates, or the cost of living.

How to file a home insurance claim
One of the best ways to be prepared for filing a home insurance claim is to learn what to do when filing a claim. With home insurance claims, the sooner you file them, the better, especially after a natural disaster when many claims will be filed in your area. Insurance adjusters work on a first-come, first-served basis, so being prepared could help you get your home repaired faster. Here are some other tips that can help you when you need to file a claim.

• Save your home insurance information. It is essential to access your home insurance information quickly when you need to file a claim. You can prepare a disaster binder with all the relevant information or prepare a digital file that you can access on your phone. Just make sure your information is secure and easy to access so you can call your insurance company as soon as possible.
• Record the damages. Before your insurance company inspects the damages, ensure you record things, too. Taking photos or videos can be helpful in case you need to dispute the results of the assessor’s inspection or if something gets missed.
• Record all expenses and keep receipts. Keep a careful log of all related costs, receipts and correspondence with your insurance company. If you don’t keep an adequate record, your insurance company may not be obligated to cover your losses or repair expenses.

As a homeowner, you must ensure that you have adequate insurance to cover the damage or the loss of your home. Do your research and speak with multiple insurance companies to ensure you have sufficient coverage for your area and risk level. Each year, review your coverage and update your file if you’ve made any improvements or changes to your home. The more detailed you are, the better you have records to use when you need to file a claim.