Buying a home is probably the biggest purchase you will make in your lifetime.
Is that investment properly covered.
The following tips will ensure less problems when you do file a claim.
Ask for written guidelines from your adjuster regarding how claims will be adjusted.
File away all copies of correspondence between you and your insurer.
Keep your policy in a fireproof box, bank box or a relative or friend.
Be sure to call the Department of Insurance if you are hiring a public adjuster.
Make sure that adjuster is properly licensed.
Keep all receipts of your living expenses and any other documents pertaining to your claim.
Keep these documents in one location and in chronological order.
Log all phone calls between you and your adjuster.
Store records (sales receipts) and photos of all possessions in a fire proof container.
Never guess what was lost or damaged.
Concrete proof of what you owned and lost saves time and money when putting in a claim.
Remember to get the all the coverage you need.
After a disaster is no time to find out you did not insure your possessions properly.
Did you increase your coverage when the value of your home went up? What type of coverage do you have? Does your policy cover replacement cost without a deduction for depreciation? Actual cash value pays you to replace your home/possessions minus a deduction for depreciation.
Do you have the best coverage, guaranteed/extended replacement cost coverage? Are you covered for loss of use? Do the structures not connected to your dwelling have coverage? Having homeowner insurance but being under insured is almost as bad as having no insurance at all.
Re-evaluate your coverage every two years.
Get five quotes from other insurance companies to make sure that you are getting the best value available.