Let’s face it, for most people, the thought of making an insurance claim is scary. “Will I have coverage for the damage?” “Will my premiums increase if I file a claim?” “What if my insurance company drops me for making the claim?” “What if I say the wrong thing to the adjuster?” These are all normal questions that go through a person’s head when making a claim. However, what most homeowners do not know is that they have more power in this situation that they realize. What sort of power? The power to complain.
It is okay to complain to your insurance company during the claim handling process. Homeowners insurance is expensive. You should not only demand that the insurance company do its job when you have a claim, you should demand that they do it well. What does that mean? First off, it is not your job to investigate your loss. You must cooperate with the insurance company but that does not mean that you have to take everything they tell you as the final word on the matter. Ask questions during the adjuster’s inspection. Make the adjuster explain to you what type of coverages you have on your policy. Even if you think you know what sort of damages might be covered under your policy, ask anyways because more often than not, you might be entitled to more. If you don’t ask, the adjuster will likely not go out of his way to tell you about what you are entitled to under your policy.
What if you don’t think the adjuster did a thorough inspection of your home? Maybe he was in a hurry. Didn’t take very many photos or didn’t explain to you his findings. Call your insurance company and tell them. Demand another adjuster. Tell them how you feel. I recommend putting complaints in writing. Many insurance companies will make it difficult for you to send written correspondence to them. They will require you to send everything by fax. Sometimes you have to dig a little to find an email address. Tell your insurance agent that you need the adjuster’s email address to send a complaint or to alert him to an issue with the claim.
Bottom line is that no matter how you let your insurance company know, let them know if you have a problem with the way your claim was handled. Do not be afraid. Your claim is probably not the only claim for the adjuster that day. Once he finishes with your inspection, you will likely never speak to him again. Unfortunately, the ball is strictly in your court once the adjuster finishes the inspection. That is why it is so important to complain if you are not satisfied with how your claim was handled. You have the right to be 100% satisfied when it comes how your insurance company treats you during the claim process. Demand it.
