Clik here to view.
In 2010, about 6 percent of insured homes had a claim, according to ISO. About 97 percent of those claims were for property damage, including theft. Changes in the percentage of each type of homeowners loss from one year to another are partially influenced by large fluctuations in the number and severity of weather-related events such as hurricanes and winter storms. There are two ways of looking at losses: by the average number of claims filed per 100 policies (frequency) and by the average amount paid for each claim (severity). The loss category “water damage and freezing” includes damage caused by mold, if covered. Every state except Arkansas, New York, North Carolina and Virginia has adopted an ISO mold limitation for homeowners insurance coverage, which allows insurers to exclude the coverage unless the condition results from a covered peril.
Jewelry was the top claims category under homeowners policies in 2011, based on the dollar value of contents claims of about 300 insurers analyzed and tracked by inventory services firm, Enservio. The firm’s Contents Claims Index (CCI) includes items that are damaged, lost or stolen. Enservio found that jewelry was also the most frequently claimed item.
-"Insurance Information Institute"
These facts spark a concern for homeowners. When a loss occurs, it is important to understand what exactly needs to be done in order to file a claim appropriately. These steps will help significantly when it is time to file a claim for your home.
1. If you are filing a claim based on a theft or burglary it is important to have the police report along with the names of the officers involved. If you have pictures of the items that were stolen, those will be helpful for your insurance company.
2.Your Homeowners Insurance policy has a time limit. Find out how long you have to claim your loss. Also, figure out what your deductible is, how long the claiming process will take, and if there's structural damage - do you need estimates on the repairs.
3. It is important to do what is necessary so that your property does not receive additional damage
4. Do not throw out damaged items until the adjuster has seen them. If you can, take photographs of the damage for your record as well as your insurance company's record
5.If your home has significaqnt damage to where you need to live somewhere else, keep all receipts of expenses that have to do with that accomodation.
6. Once you notify your insurance company you will receive the necessary claim forms. Fill out these forms and return them to insurance company in a timely fashion.
7.During this process an adjuster will probably come to your home for inspection. Cooperate with the adjuster as their report will have an impact on the determination of your claim.
If you have a Homeowners Claim, contact Zeiler Insurance immediately. We will help you through this process so that you receive appropriate compensation for your loss in a timely manner.
-Lucas R. Zeiler
(708) 597-5900
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
