How To Work With An Insurance Adjuster

If there's been damage of any type to your home, including damage caused by both humans and mother nature alike, then you know that one of the first numbers you call will be your home insurance company. The complete process for getting home insurance claims sorted out can sometimes be lengthy. During that time period, you will spend a lot of time talking to your insurance company's home insurance adjuster. He or she has a very important role for both you and your insurance company-keeping both you and the company happy!

Once you have been in touch with the insurance company and filed the appropriate paperwork with them, they will send the insurance adjuster out to take a firsthand look at your home. This person will walk through the entire house with you, inside and out, to examine the property for damage. He or she will also ask you about any lost, stolen, destroyed or damaged personal possessions that were within the home or immediately outside it (such as hose reels, bird baths, and the like). Additionally, you will also be asked about your living situation since the time of the incident-if the house inhabitable until it is repaired or replaced, have you been living in a hotel or otherwise renting property since then?

Once all this information is sorted, the insurance adjuster will talk to the insurance company immediately. If you cannot live in the house and have been paying for a rental property or hotel, then the insurance company will probably give you a check immediately to cover some of those expenses. The company will carefully go over everything the insurance adjuster has found pertaining to damage of the property, and will tell you what they are willing to cover, or pay you, for the damage. The building itself will be treated separately from the contents-if both are affected, then the company will offer you different amounts of coverage for each category.

Regarding personal property, if you know what you paid for these items, then the insurance will cover that exact amount. But if you don't have a good idea, then the insurance adjuster will research the values of these items, and the company will reimburse you for these current market values.

If your house is destroyed, the insurance company will, at your discretion, either put a down payment on a new house for you, or offer to re-build your old house. Your insurance adjuster will work with you at every step to ensure that you are happy.