If your home or business was damaged by a fire, smoke, winds or all of the above, it’s important to file a claim with your Insurance Company. Once you do that, they may ask you to explain in detail what happened. Here are some key things to keep in mind during this process:
- Everything you say needs to be honest and correct to best of your ability.
- It’s okay not to know the answer. If you are guessing, just let your insurance company know!
- Cooperate with the Insurance Company.
- The Insurance Company is going to ask for information to help with their investigation and get you answers as soon as they can.
- Some of their questions may seem invasive, such as wanting tax returns or social media. Ask an attorney for help if you are unsure what to do.
- Pay Attention to Deadlines.
- It is not uncommon for insurance companies to give you a document called “proof of loss”. Usually this needs to be completed in a certain time frame. Make sure you know what this is, how to fill it out, and that you can get it done in time.
- Also, after you have repaired or replaced property, you may be entitled to more money from the Insurance Company. In order to obtain that money, you have to replace within a certain amount of time.
- If you find there is a deadline during the course of your claim that you cannot meet, you need to negotiate with the insurance company to get more time. Make sure you get the revision in writing so you have evidence.
Here is a video from our Attorney Doug Bragg that explains this information as well. If you have further questions on this topic, give us a call at 503-305-7806.
