| When your home is damaged or your personal | | | | will likely send an insurance adjuster to inspect the |
| property is stolen, it's natural to feel stressed and | | | | damage. |
| overwhelmed. However, it's important to act quickly | | | | 4. Document all damages. |
| on starting the insurance claims process. | | | | In order to be compensated, you must show what |
| Home and renters insurance can help replace your | | | | was lost. Take pictures or video of the damage |
| possessions after a loss, but only if you file a timely | | | | before any clean-up starts, and include them with |
| and complete claim. It is a good idea to understand | | | | your claims form. Ideally, you documented your home |
| how this process works before you have to go | | | | and belongings before the loss so you can show |
| through it. | | | | before and after pictures. |
| When to file a claim | | | | 5. Make temporary repairs so your home is safe and |
| If your loss is significant, it's wise to file a claim and | | | | livable. |
| let your insurance company help you handle high | | | | If necessary, make temporary repairs while waiting |
| costs or complicated repairs. Be aware, though, that | | | | for your claim to be processed. Temporary repairs |
| home and renters insurance claims become | | | | are covered, so long as you save your receipts; |
| permanent record. | | | | check your specific policy for guidelines. Don't start |
| How to file a claim | | | | permanent, major repairs or renovations until your |
| If you need to file a claim, work with your insurance | | | | claim is complete and compensation is confirmed. |
| agent or company and follow these seven steps to | | | | 6. Save receipts if you have to temporarily move |
| get it done quickly. | | | | out.If damage is so extensive that you need to |
| 1. If necessary, call the police or fire department.In | | | | temporarily relocate, your insurance will most likely |
| the event of fire, theft, vandalism or traumatic | | | | help cover costs related to relocation, including hotel, |
| accident, this is a critical first step. If police officers or | | | | grocery and restaurant expenses. Talk to your |
| firefighters are dispatched to your home or | | | | insurance agent about submitting these receipts for |
| apartment, give them all the details of the event. | | | | reimbursement. |
| Keep copies of police or fire reports; you'll need them | | | | 7. Cooperate with your insurance company. |
| to file your insurance claim. | | | | After you file a claim, make yourself available to talk |
| 2. Call your insurance company.Immediately following | | | | with your insurance agent and claims adjuster. The |
| any police or fire report, contact your insurance | | | | faster you answer questions and provide necessary |
| agent or claims hotline. In most cases, your insurance | | | | information, the faster your claim and payment are |
| policy requires you to contact your insurance | | | | processed. |
| company within a certain timeframe after the loss. | | | | Dealing with loss or damage to your home can be |
| Have your insurance policy number handy and be | | | | stressful, but being prepared for the claims process |
| prepared to repeat any details given to police or fire | | | | can help get your life back on track faster. If you |
| personnel. | | | | currently don't have adequate coverage or the level |
| 3. Work with your agent to complete a claims | | | | of service you would like from your insurer, consider |
| form.The claims form helps you record all the details | | | | getting homeowners insurance from Nationwide |
| related to the incident. Be very thorough in | | | | Insurance. If you rent an apartment, townhome, |
| documenting damages, including what, when and how. | | | | house, dorm room or even storage unit, you can also |
| Completing a claims form usually is sufficient for | | | | get a renters insurance quote from Nationwide. |
| smaller claims. If the claim is substantial, your agent | | | | |