1. Review all Applicable Insurance Policies and Assess the Potential for Coverage. An important first step is to collect and analyze your policies to assess the scope of coverage available. The most common policies providing coverage will be first-party property policies, including commercial property, marine property, and event cancellation policies. Other policies could include auto, flood, and homeowner. If you purchased all of your insurance through a single agent, contact that agent. They should be able to help you gather all pertinent policies.
2. Notify your Insurance Company. Provide prompt notice of the loss to all insurance companies. Failure to give notice to the insurance company within time limits specified in the policy can invalidate a claim.
3. Take Pictures. Once it is safe to do so, visit the damaged property and record the extent of the damage. Photographs and video are crucial.
4. File your Claim. Insurance companies often work on a first-come, first-serve basis, so it’s in your best interest to file an insurance claim as quickly and as accurately as you can.
Patience and diligence are important throughout the property claims process. Make lots of notes and take lots of pictures. Recovering from a disaster takes time, but being smart up front can make the whole situation a little more manageable.
