HOME INSURANCE CLAIMS
Homeowners insurance provides financial protection against disasters. A standard policy insures the home itself and the things you keep in it. Below are some helpful tips on keeping inventory of your household as well as some tips on homeowners insurance claims.

Having an up-to-date home inventory will help you get your insurance claim settles faster, verify losses for your income tax return and help you purchase the correct amount of insurance.

·       Make a list of your possessions, describing each item and where it was purchased, and its make and model.

·       Keep all receipts, purchase contracts and appraisals.

·       Clothing ? count and categorize and make special notes about valuable items.

·       Major appliances and electronic equipment ? record serial numbers

·       Jewelry, art work and collectibles may have increase in value over a period of time, contact your insurance agent and get these items reappraised for their current value. Some valuables may need to be insured separately.

·       Take pictures of rooms and important items and on the back of the photos give a description of the item.

Make sure to keep your inventory lists, pictures and other documentation in a safe place ? safety deposit box, friend or relative´s home, just in case your home is damaged.

Filing Homeowners claims

There are many rules and procedures that are in your insurance policy, so it is important to read your policy and know your responsibilities when filing a claim. If someone gets injured on your property or a natural disaster destroys your home, a claim must be filed with your insurance company. The following are some helpful tips on filing a claim:

·       Report any crime to Police.

·       Contact your insurance agent/company immediately ? there are time limits on filing claims, so ask questions to your agent to verify your time frame, coverage, deductible, etc.

·       Make temporary repairs ? protect your property from any further damage. Save all receipts to turn into your insurance company for reimbursement.

·       Have an adjuster inspect the damage of your home.

·       Make a list of lost or damaged articles ? Don´t throw out damaged articles until your insurance adjuster has visited your home.  Take pictures, make copies of your list and keep receipts for the adjuster.

For more information on homeowners insurance and filing claims, contact your insurance company.

Also visit: 

State of Colorado Division of insurance: www.dora.state.co.us/insurance/pb/pb.htm

http://www.iii.org/individuals/homei/