The Coronavirus pandemic is changing the way many industries operate. The homeowners insurance industry is no different. When filing claims against your policy, you may encounter a different process than in the past. Here are a changes you can expect to homeowners insurance claims during a pandemic.
1 – Claims Filing
The best way to file a new claim is online at your insurance company’s website. If you do not already have a login for your account, you can easily create one with your account number and/or personal information. Upon logging in, you should see a section specifically for filing claims. Using this online form is the quickest option. Calling the customer service line is still possible, but you may encounter longer wait times.
2 – Damage Appraisals
Typically, your insurance company would send an adjuster out to your property to evaluate damages and provide an estimate. This is in addition to estimates submitted by your contractor(s). Due to the pandemic, most onsite visits have been eliminated. An adjuster will still contact you, but will not physically visit your home unless damages are visible from outside of the home. For interior damages, you will be asked to take pictures and email them to the insurance adjuster.
3 – Contractor Estimates
Many homeowners obtain estimates from multiple contractors to submit with homeowners insurance claims. It may be difficult to get contractors to visit your home and view damages during a pandemic. They, too, may ask you to take pictures and send it to them for review. Additionally, estimates are often provided virtually (i.e. via email) instead of in paper form. This should also make it easier for you to forward those estimates to your insurance company.
Other Changes to Homeowners Insurance Claims During a Pandemic
There are a few other things to keep in mind for homeowners insurance claims during a pandemic. For any damages to your home, be sure to immediately take plenty of detailed photos and videos. Although you should try not to remove any damaged items until it can be viewed by an adjuster, you also have a responsibility to reduce/prevent further damage to your property. Be as diligent as possible with reporting issues and following guidelines set forth by your insurance company. Lastly, be patient as claims may take a little longer than usual to process these days. Just as you are adjusting to the new normal in your daily life amid this pandemic, insurance companies are doing the same. They will certainly do their best to address your needs as quickly and efficiently as possible during these unusual times.
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