Tips for Filing a Renters Insurance Claim

No one wants to have to deal with filing a claim on their renters insurance, but if an incident arises, it’s best to know what to do in advance to make the process as smoothly as possible. Being prepared for the worst has helped many people get the full compensation due to them from their insurance provider. Here’s how you can prepare yourself.

Understand Your Policy

Before anything happens, it’s important that you understand the details — especially the exclusions — of your policy. For instance, if you know that flood damage is excluded, you won’t have to waste your time going through the claims process after water enters your rental unit.

Document Your Belongings

Take an afternoon to document the things you own. Create a spreadsheet and note every item of value and its worth. It also helps to snap photos and scan receipts for high-dollar items. This list acts as proof of what you own so your insurance provider knows how much to compensate you for after a loss. Keep this list somewhere safe, like on a cloud drive, so it can be accessed even if your place is destroyed.

Call the Authorities

First and foremost, call the proper authorities (police, fire department etc.) immediately after an incident occurs. If the police arrive on the scene, ask for a copy of the police report for insurance purposes. Be sure to note details like the date, time and what was damaged/stolen. It also helps to take photos of the damage.

Call Your Insurer

Contact your independent insurance agent to file a claim. You’ll need to provide information about the incident and you may have to fill out claim forms. There’s a good chance that your insurer will send an adjuster to the property to inspect the damage, which helps determine the amount of compensation you will receive. Save any receipts from cleanup, repair or alternative housing because you may also be compensated for these expenses (depending on the details of your policy).

We’ll help you get back to normal. Call Pan American Insurance at (915) 562-0009 for more information on El Paso renters insurance.