You have worked hard for your home and dealing with damage to it can be stressful, emotional and overwhelming. When your home is damaged due to water, fire, mold or trauma, you may be stuck wondering how you should proceed. You may have a lot of questions running through your head:- Who can help me fix this damage?
- Should I call my insurance company?
- Does my insurance cover this disaster?
- Do I need to take pictures?
- Will my insurance cover the cost to rebuild or repair the damage?
Dealing with a disaster and an insurance company is a process. Let Xtreme Home Improvement help manage the stress for you. We work with insurance companies to make sure you are getting the most out of your claim and we provide the peace of mind of having a connection that will be with you every step of the way. We suggest the following steps for navigating an insurance claim when your home and property has been damaged.
Review Your Insurance Policy
If you’re like most homeowners, you can add another unread title to your must-read list: your homeowners insurance policy. Before disaster strikes, sit down with your insurance agent and review the policy to know exactly what coverage is included. The policy itself may be difficult to understand, but if you have a knowledgeable agent they can evaluate your needs and get the information you need.
Call Your Restoration Company First
Do your research in advance and make an informed decision. Choose the company that you trust to represent your interests. Time is of the essence – every hour wasted increases the potential for further damage to the structure and adds to repair costs. And avoiding action may lead to your insurance company not covering the claim. Our certified technicians will quickly respond, assess the damage, secure the structure and contain the loss. If you call right away you can get to the next step – contacting your insurance agent.
Evidence Is Key
The key to getting the most out of your insurance claim is the evidence you provide. The right data will properly substantiate the source of the damage, the extent of the damage, and the cost of repairs. Once again, you want an experienced team who knows how to document the project. The most valuable evidence is pictures. You can never have enough pictures, and companies like Xtreme Home Improvement understand the importance of documenting the entire cleanup process with information the insurance company needs.
Be Assertive
You can’t be passive when dealing with insurance concerns. The insurance company will not issue a payment to cover any item not listed in their claim estimate and it’s in their financial interest to offer the least expensive solution. Part of their effort to control costs may involve determining how personal property should be repaired which is why it’s so important to work with a restoration company who can act as your advocate – the party you can trust to gather the necessary evidence and defend your claims.
Be Patient
Dealing with insurance is a game of ‘hurry up and wait.’ It can be a long and frustrating process, but you have to follow all the steps and remain patient if you want the best possible results. Your disaster relief team should keep you updated every step of the way, but your patience is also important to the process.
Since you are the property owner, you have the ultimate say in who repairs your home or business. But don’t just hire a general contractor or use the company attached to your insurance carrier. You need a certified restoration specialist – a company who has the knowledge to walk you through the process, move your claim along, and help the assigned adjuster understand the scope and potential cost of the loss and get agreements regarding the work that needs to be done.
Choosing a restoration company that is experienced with a variety of insurance companies is very important when dealing with a disaster or accident at your home or commercial property. There are many important factors that need to be taken into consideration. Put our knowledge and skills to use. When you work with Xtreme Home Improvement, you receive more than just our industry-leading restoration expertise. You’ll have a trusted partner who will make the process as simple and clear as possible. A partner who will provide excellent service and fine craftsmanship. Remember, we work with every insurance company but we work for you.