What Happens When You File a Home Insurance Claim?
If you ever experience an event that causes damage to your property, your first priority should always be to make sure everyone in your household is safe. Once that vital step has been taken care of, it is important to report the loss to your insurance carrier as soon as possible.
As long as it is safe to do so, the first step in the claims process is to walk through and around your property and employ temporary solutions to try to prevent additional damage. Make sure to keep receipts for any expenditures so you can provide them to your adjuster when requested.
In addition, it is a good idea to make a list and take pictures or video of any damage after a loss, as this can help to facilitate the claims process. Do not get rid of damaged items. Having these belongings as well as a home inventory available when you talk to your adjuster can also expedite the process.
Depending on your insurer, there may be several ways to file your claim. Andover policyholders can report a claim to us online or by phone, or get assistance from their local insurance professional. After you have reported your loss, a claim number and an adjuster will be assigned to you. Your adjuster will be responsible for guiding you through your claims journey and will be your primary contact until your claim is resolved.
After your claim is submitted, you will receive a detailed email communication from us that includes contact information for your adjuster and an overview of the claims process. If you have any questions or want updates on your claim, your adjuster is the best person to contact. However, please know that the Andover team is always here for you and you can call us at 800-225-0770 if you need additional assistance.
After your claim is filed, your adjuster will contact you to set up a convenient day and time for an inspection of the property damage. This review is crucial because it will help the adjuster better understand what happened and confirm answers to questions like:
This review enables the adjuster to make the most accurate estimate of the insurance payout amount that should be issued for losses.
After completing their inspection, the adjuster typically submits a report that is reviewed by a claims supervisor who evaluates the adjuster’s coverage recommendations and estimates of damage.
When a payment is to be made under the policy, it is important to let your adjuster know the name of any mortgage holder on the property. In addition, if any other parties are named on your home insurance policy, their names may also appear on any payments, and all parties will need to sign.
You are welcome to have contractors come out to your home and provide estimates. If you are an Andover Companies policyholder, you are free to choose the contractor you want to work with and should get as many estimates as you feel you need to be confident in your final hiring decision.
Every home insurance claim is unique and thus has its own distinct timeline for resolution. Many factors can affect the length of time the claims process takes, including but not limited to the size and complexity of the loss and whether additional expertise is required to assess specific types of damages.
In addition, it can make a significant difference to work with a reputable carrier, like The Andover Companies, that has a well-defined claims process with clear communication and exceptional support every step of the way. We understand that even a small property damage claim can cause a substantial disruption to your home life. Our highly skilled Claims Team helps ensure that if you have a claim, it is handled fairly and as efficiently as possible.
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