Filing a Renters Insurance Claim

Don’t Let Your Renters Insurance Claim Be Denied

By Meha Ahmad, InsuranceAgents.com Staff Writer

Knowing how to correctly file a renters insurance claim will help you pick up the pieces if your property is damaged, stolen or lost. A renters insurance claim properly filed will also cover any medical and legal expenses you may be responsible for if someone is injured in your home. You can get started by getting free renters insurance quotes today.

Having a renters insurance policy isn’t enough—you need to know the proper protocol for filing a renters insurance claim after property loss so you can get the most out of your claim. Here are a few tips we recommend you follow if you want to file a successful renters insurance claim:

1. Do NOT take your time. Taking your time before acting rashly is usually a good rule of thumb, but not in the case of filing a renters insurance claim! Once you notice your property has been damaged/stolen/lost, contact your renters insurance agent and report it (if it was stolen, contact the police first).
2. Record the damages. Document any damages that occurred in your home. Take pictures (even if it’s with a camera phone. Just remember: closer photos provide more details of damage) or take video of any damaged property, including furniture, the rented space’s structure, your own personal belongings, etc. This will make the renters insurance claim process flow much more smoothly.
3. Don’t let anything get worse. If something is even slightly damaged, don’t let it get worse. If you don’t take the necessary precautions to ensure that your property isn’t further destroyed, you run the serious risk of your insurance provider denying your renters insurance claim.
4. Ask about protocol. Every insurance company has their own way of doing things. Ask your agent what the process is for filing a renters insurance claim so you have all the information available. Ask them what they need from you, how you can further along the renters insurance claim process, and what the procedure is. Comply with your provider’s needs and renters insurance claim procedure. Be patient.
5. Save the receipts. Saving the receipts for your personal belongings—particularly the big-ticket items, like furniture and electronics—is generally a good idea since it helps you get a fair amount from your renters insurance claim. Also, if your home is damaged to the point where you have to seek a temporary/alternative living situation, saving copies of your hotel bills, any rentals, restaurant bills, etc.

Another great way to ensure that your renters insurance claim isn’t denied is to update your renters insurance  policy regularly and make sure you have proper coverage. Too many renters will seek financial help from their provider only to have their renters insurance claim be denied due to lack of coverage. To find an affordable policy, contact local renters insurance agents to help you find multiple renters insurance quotes. With a quality policy, your renters insurance claim has a better chance of being accepted.

Published: Wednesday 30th September 2009