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Introduction Filing an insurance claim for fire or smoke damage can be a complex and intimidating process. However, there are steps that one can take to ensure a good prepared for and well-conducted claims process. This paper will address specific steps that need to take place in order to file an insurance claim for fire or smoke damage, ensuring the policy holder is prepared and knowledgeable for the claims process to recover their losses. I. Documents the damage A. The first step is to document the damage occurred by smoke or fire. The policy holder should have pictures or videos of the observable damage caused by the fire or smoke. Also, a brief to detailed inventory list with the price of the damage or damaged items is a good idea. B. Documentation is crucial to provide the claims adjuster the amount he would need to efficiently evaluate the damage. II. Notify the insurance company A. In the event that their property is damaged by fire or smoke, the insurance company should be notified immediately. Claims have different lengths of time for filing the claim, and the policy holder do not want to exceed that amount of time. The policy holder must call the claims department of its insurance company and make the insurance company aware of the damage. B. A brief description of the damage that occurred, a date and time that it occurred and the insurance poli y information will need to be given to the claims adjuster prior to him being able to process the claim. III. Claim adjuster cooperating A. When reporting a claim, a claim adjuster to the property will come out to assess the damage and how much money the insurance company should give the policy holder. It is crucial that the policy holder cooperate with the insurance adjuster. The policy holder should be present and cooperate with the insurance adjuster when he comes to assess the damage. The homeowner should answer any questions the adjuster may have, give them any documentation they need or request, hint advice B. It is very important to have a good relationship with the claims adjuster, because the adjuster will be writing up an estimate for the insurance company to issue before they cut a check to the policy holder. IV. Documents, documents, documents A. Document and take pictures of everything, will need to have pictures, videos, documents of every kind to prove whatever they are claiming. V. Know your policy A. Knowing and understanding of the insurance policy from which the insurance is coming from is important. You must know what the limits are on your policy, if there is a deductible, who pays the deductible, is there specialty coverage’s available, are there exclusions.
