The unexpected happened, and now you need to make a claim through your renters’ insurance.
First, take a deep breath! You’ve already done the smart thing by giving yourself added peace of mind and protection by purchasing renters insurance. There are many situations that renters’ insurance can help cover, including property damage from fire, water or theft. Your coverage can also potentially help cover legal and medical fees if someone sues you.
Whether this is your first time filing a claim or you’ve been here before, it’s helpful to have a checklist in hand to help you through the process. Follow these steps to become a pro at filing your renters’ insurance claim.
Before you file your claim
Keep in mind it’s helpful to know what types of coverages are included in your renters’ insurance. Reviewing your policy ahead of time can prepare you when the time comes to make a claim.
After an event, follow these steps first:
1. Safety first
Alert the proper authorities if you need assistance, whether that be the fire department, an ambulance or the police.
2. Document
If you file a police report regarding stolen property or an injury, make sure to get a copy for yourself. If property is stolen, make a note of important details regarding the loss, including the time and day and what is missing or broken. When appropriate, take photos or videos of the affected area. If someone is injured, document the time, date and what steps led up to the injury. You’ll also want to document any witnesses and what they observed.
3. Prevent further damage
If your home is damaged or vandalized, you may need to make temporary repairs to stop further damage from occurring. Keep a record of any charges to repair or replace damaged items. Preventing further damage can include:
- Disconnecting utilities after a fire.
- Unplugging electronics to protect from a power surge.
- Covering broken windows with plastic after a burglary.
- Notifying your credit card company about a stolen card.
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Renters Insurance
Filing your claim
You’ll want to file your claim as soon as possible once your home is secure. Call or visit the claims section of your insurance provider’s website. You may also be able to log in to your account online, or your insurance provider may have an app you can use. For Grange customers, you can call our 24-hour Loss Reporting Center at (800) 445-3030 or log into your My Grange account to start the claim process.
After you file your claim
You’ve filed your claim, and you’re ready for the next steps. Here’s what to expect:
1. You’ll get a call right away
Your claim representative should reach out to you to gather details about your loss, explain your policy coverage and begin the claim process. If you’re a Grange customer, you’ll receive a call from a claim representative within eight business hours of submitting your claim. He or she may include options for obtaining an estimate for any damages.
2. Working through property loss or damage
Your claim representative will work with you to gather as many details about your loss as possible. At Grange, we make it easy by offering our Contents Inventory Sheet, where you can document a description of each affected item along with its age, estimated replacement cost and other details. Be sure to set aside any proof of ownership materials, such as owner’s manuals and receipts.
3. The finish line
Your claim representative will prepare an itemized estimate of all covered damages using current pricing and will review the estimate with you.
There are a lot of emotions you may feel when the unexpected happens, but feeling alone shouldn’t be one of them. Now, not only do you know how to make a renters’ insurance claim, but that your claim representative will be there every step of the way to help you get life back on track.
This article is for informational and suggestion purposes only. If insurance policy coverage descriptions in this article conflict with the language in the policy, the language in the policy applies. Talk with your independent agent if you have questions regarding the details of your insurance policy or if you need to update your insurance.
References:
- Grange Claims Department
- TrustedChoice