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Navigating the Domestic Insurance Claims Process

18th Sep 2024

Dealing with any damage to your home can feel overwhelming, but knowing how to navigate the ins and outs and complexities of a domestic insurance claims process can make a world of difference. Whether it's a burst pipe, storm, fire, or theft, understanding the numerous steps involved will give you confidence in securing the financial settlement you need and deserve to repair and restore your home back to its original state.

For many, managing the insurance claims process can feel like walking through a minefield - full of potential pitfalls and confusing jargon. If you're not confident in handling the process or want to ease the burden, a loss assessor can be an invaluable ally. They’ll oversee the claim from start to finish, handle all communications and negotiations with the insurer, and work to maximise your final settlement, allowing you to focus on recovery without the added stress.

How to File a Domestic Insurance Claim

So, how do you go about filing a domestic insurance claim? This is a very common question, especially when clients are in that initial state of shock and aren’t sure where to start.

When disaster strikes on your domestic property - whether minor or major - the first step is to contact your insurer as soon as possible to notify them and open a claim. It's crucial to provide detailed information about the event, including dates, times, and the extent of the visible damage or loss which you can see.

Being thorough from the beginning, even if you think you’re giving extraneous information - can help streamline the process and ensure your insurer has all the relevant details. In addition, it is advisable to take photographs and videos of the damage from different angles to serve as evidence, and start compiling a list of any affected items within and externally to your property, including receipts if available. By gathering this information early on, you set the stage for a smoother claims process thereafter.

Steps in Domestic Insurance Claims

The length of an insurance claim process can vary widely based on several factors, such as the type of claim, the insurer's policies, the complexity of the case, and how quickly the policyholder submits the necessary documentation. Therefore, it is important to follow step-by-step guidelines when submitting your claim. Please note that each claim varies, and individual circumstances need to be carefully considered throughout the process.

Some insurers may process claims faster or slower, and external influences like the number of claims being handled or the availability of adjusters can also impact timelines, so don’t delay opening your claim. Below is a guideline in the insurance claims process for domestic properties:

  • Notify your insurance company: Contact them promptly and submit any preliminary information that you have gathered about your disaster at your property.
  • Document the damage on your property: Take photos and videos and list all the affected items you can notice to substantiate your claim.
  • Submit supporting evidence: Along with your claim form, send invoices or receipts for repair or replacement wherever possible. This may not always be feasible, especially in cases where the items are old, or the documentation has been lost. In such cases, provide as much detail as you can, such as photographs, descriptions, or bank statements, to help validate your claim.
  • Meet with the Loss Adjuster: The insurance company will send a loss adjuster to visit your property to assess the damage, review your claim, and ensure it aligns with your policy coverage. During this meeting, it’s important to discuss all aspects of the damage and any related costs.
  • Temporary Accommodation: In some cases, your insurer may assist in arranging emergency accommodation while you await the decision on your claim.
  • Negotiations begin: After the visit, the adjuster will report back to the insurer, who will then determine the claim's liability.
  • A restoration company will be appointed to assist in the reinstatement of your property. A chartered Surveyor will be appointed for your claim.
  • Negotiate settlement: Once the agreement of the content claim, choose between a cash settlement, replacement of items or a combination of both, but be sure it covers all your losses.
  • Contractors finish: The property has now been repaired and is habitable back to its pre-disaster state.

Filing a Home Insurance Claim

So, where does one begin? Filing a domestic insurance claim requires gathering essential information as quickly as possible and following specific steps to ensure the process runs smoothly. You’ll need to provide accurate details about the incident, document the current damage, and submit all necessary paperwork.

Here's what you'll need to get started:

  • Your insurance policy details: Have your policy number and coverage information on hand to open the claim.
  • Details of the disaster: Provide the date, exact time, and nature of the event (e.g., fire, flood, theft) in as much detail as possible.
  • Documentation: Gather real life evidence like photos or videos of the damage, receipts, invoices for repairs, or proof of ownership for lost or damaged items wherever possible.
  • Review your Policy: Review your domestic insurance policy in depth to understand what is covered, including any exclusions, limitations, and excess fees that may apply before claiming. This will help you determine whether your specific incident qualifies for a claim and what compensation you can expect. Additionally, make note of any deadlines or specific steps required for filing a claim as outlined in your individual policy as there may be time-sensitive requirements.
  • Complete the claim form: Fill out the form provided by your insurer fully. If you have any questions or are unsure about a section, please contact your insurer as this could validate or invalidate your upcoming claim.
  • Contact details: Ensure that your insurer can reach you and another emergency contact for further assessment or queries. There will be toing and froing backwards and forwards with your insurer once submitted.

10 Domestic Insurance Claim Tips

  • Tip #1: Be prompt when filing a domestic insurance claim by contacting your insurer as soon as possible to prevent unnecessary delays.
  • Tip #2: Keep thorough records of all communications, noting dates, times, and names, including emails and letters.
  • Tip #3: Obtain multiple quotes to ensure you get a fair price.
  • Tip #4: If your claim becomes complicated, consider hiring a loss assessor to negotiate with your insurer.
  • Tip #5: Visual evidence can be crucial in supporting your claim and showing the extent of the loss or damage. Make sure the images are clear and cover all affected areas or items. This will help your insurer assess the situation more accurately and can speed up the claims process.
  • Tip #6: Familiarise yourself with the claim deadlines set by your insurer. Missing these deadlines can jeopardise your claim, so it's essential to act within the specified timeframes.
  • Tip #7: Avoid making permanent repairs until you get approval from your insurer. Temporary fixes are acceptable to prevent further damage, but major repairs should wait until the claim has been reviewed.
  • Tip #8: Be honest and accurate in your claim. Any discrepancies or exaggerations can lead to delays or even denial of your claim.
  • Tip #9: Stay organised by creating a dedicated file or folder for all claim-related documents, including correspondence, photos, and receipts. This will make it easier to track your progress and respond to any requests from your insurer.
  • Tip #10: Review your excess fees before filing a claim. Sometimes, the cost of repairs might be close to or less than your policy’s excess, making it more practical to handle repairs yourself.

Hiring a Loss Assessor for a Domestic Insurance Claim

As seen above, the domestic insurance claims process can be very complex, timely and unfamiliar territory for many. There is always the option of hiring a loss assessor at any point throughout the claims process, who will pick up and manage the process on your behalf, with your best interests in mind. By choosing a loss assessor, like Harris Balcombe, you gain an ally from the outset - someone firmly on your side to guide you through the process.

It’s noteworthy to remember that throughout this process, loss adjusters are employed by your insurer and are responsible for investigating claims to assess the overall damage and determine liability while protecting the insurer's best interests, often with an aim to minimise the insurer’s payout. Whereas, loss assessors work exclusively for the policyholder and solely for their benefit.

Conclusion

Filing and navigating the domestic insurance claims process can feel daunting, especially in times of turmoil, but preparation and evidence is the key to making or breaking your outcome. By acting swiftly, documenting everything, and maintaining open communication with your insurer, and / or loss assessor, you can ensure a smoother experience and maximise the chances of a favourable, maximum settlement.

Should the process become overwhelming, and that is OK too, remember that professional help, such as from a loss assessor, is available to guide you throughout any step of the claims journey. Ultimately, your home is your sanctuary and safety nest, and making sure it’s restored properly should be a non-negotiable.

Harris Balcombe is here to provide specialist knowledge and expertise, guiding you through the intricate claims process from start to finish. You can Start your Claim now now or Contact us today to find out more.

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