09/14/2020
Just some helpful thoughts on what to do when you have a claim for your home policy...coming from me, a long time home insurance agent:
1. Call your agent and find out what your coverage is on the home, contents, loss of use and your deductibles. Ask them for advice on your particular situation. They have probably had some experience with contractors and what to expect in the process.
2. Ask for a copy of your home policy once you go over it.
Your agent will then probably tell you to file a claim with your carrier. This is only reporting it and they will assign it to an adjuster that will help you know what your next steps are. Here is what to expect from the adjuster.
1. They will want to make an appointment to come and asses the damage. They control the purse strings to get you reimbursed for your loss.
2. If a large loss such as a fire or a theft, they will ask you to itemize what was taken from you and add values to each of those things. This means everything if you have a total loss. If you have not had a loss yet, take pictures of your home...open the closets, drawers and cupbords. It is hard to remember when you are stressed out after a loss.
3. Most home policies obviously cover the house, but they also cover your contents and loss of use. Loss of use is when you can't say at your house and you may need closes, money for meals, and maybe even lodging. They will set you up and get you the funds for this as soon as they can so you can get comfortable.
I hope this helps someone, I have been fielding a lot of these calls in recent days with the Oregon fires. Bless you and stay safe! Please share if it will help someone.