Paying insurance premiums is key in giving you an added layer of protection against a natural disaster or an accident. Understanding how to file an insurance claim in Orange City is important in avoiding any mistakes while making the entire claims process as smooth as possible. An insurance claim is simply a policyholder asking an insurance provider for payment for a covered loss. While the claims process will vary slightly with different insurance providers, there are quite a few similarities on how to file an insurance claim.
Here is a general overview of what to expect while filing a homeowners insurance claim in Orange City.
Understand the Details of Your Policy
Knowing the details of your homeowners insurance policy is essential before you file a claim. Understanding your coverages, limits, and deductibles are all important aspects of any type of insurance policy. For example, you don’t want to file a claim to only find out later that the loss isn’t covered or if the damages are less than the deductible after filing on your insurance. Reviewing the details of a new insurance policy is especially important in understanding your coverage to avoid any surprises if you ever need to file a claim.
Contact Your Insurance Provider as Soon as Possible
Reaching out to your insurance company as soon as you can is critical in getting the process started. The state of Florida gives you up to four years to file a homeowners insurance claim, as your insurance provider has two weeks to acknowledge the claim. However, it’s often recommended to get in touch with your insurance provider as soon as possible to help you receive the necessary compensation for your loss without waiting for an extended period of time.
Fill Out the Proof of Loss Form
One of the key steps in filing an insurance claim is to fill out a proof of loss form. This document outlines the damages and the compensation you are seeking from your insurance company. You can also fill out a home inventory list if you are filing on your homeowners insurance, and it’s also a good idea to include any photos or videos of the incident. Contacting your insurance provider to discuss these details is critical, as they will also provide you with additional guidance throughout the entire process.
Schedule a Meeting with an Adjuster
The next stage of filing on your homeowners insurance requires you to contact an adjuster to inspect the damages to your home. An adjuster will visit your property, and they will ask various questions about how the damage happened and the timeline of the incident. Understanding these details will allow an adjuster to determine the appropriate payout in getting these damages repaired for your home.
Pay Your Deductible
You will always need to pay your deductible before you receive payment from your insurance provider. An insurance company will not approve your claim if the damages are lower than the deductible on your insurance policy. The amount of the deductible may also be based on the type of damages, as sometimes wind-related damages involve a different deductible compared to other property damages. Reaching out to your insurance agency is always a wise decision if you have any questions or concerns about your policy.
How to Handle Repairs
You will receive payment from your homeowners insurance company once you both agree on a settlement. The payment will likely be made to you and the lender if you have a mortgage on your home. Typically, the money is released as needed for making repairs, as you don’t often receive the full amount at once. An insurance company may recommend certain contractors for making repairs, but you can typically choose your own, they will bill your insurance provider to receive payment.
Contact Wellcovered Insurance to Learn More About Filing a Claim
Wellcovered Insurance is one of the top agencies in Orange City that works with clients throughout Volusia and Seminole County. We always work with the leading insurance carriers in Florida to help you choose the best homeowners insurance that meets all of your needs while staying within your budget. Our company also offers personal lines insurance for condos, rental property, mobile homes, auto, general liability, and much more.
Our company invests in technology that makes it easy to search all of the top-rated insurance carriers to find the right fit to meet your needs. Providing top-quality customer service is our priority. It only takes one to two business days to get a home quote, and you can even receive an auto quote in 15 minutes or less.
Wellcovered Insurance is also one of the most highly-rated agencies on Google Reviews, as we will always return your phone call on the same business day. Keeping an active presence in the local community is another top concern, as we are a member of the DeLand Breakfast Rotary and the West Volusia Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Feel free to contact Wellcovered Insurance to learn even more information about homeowners insurance in Florida!
