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Property Damage Claims

Steps to Filing a Property Damage Claim

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  • 1. File a police report if there was any illegal activity involved. Don’t use 911 unless there’s a crime actively in progress; instead, contact the police through their non-emergency line.

  • 2. Take pictures of the damage.

  • 3. Collect contact information from any witnesses, if applicable.

  • 4. Contact your insurance company to file a claim.

  • 5. Make small, temporary repairs to make sure that the damage doesn’t get any worse.

  • 6. Meet with your home insurance adjuster and walk them through the property.

  • 7. Review the settlement offer your insurance adjuster provides you with. If the offer doesn’t cover the repairs fully, then you can ask your adjuster to review the claim again.

  • 8. Officially receive money from your claim and schedule the repairs.

Need to File a Claim?

If your home has sustained damage, then either contact us during normal business hours or reach out to your insurance company directly.

close up of a property damage claim document dartmouth ma

Tips for Filing

  • Keep track of any receipts for repairs you need to make before your insurance adjuster arrives.
  • Make a thorough list of all of your belongings—such as furniture, artwork, and other valuables—and detail what damage they’ve sustained, their appraised value, and when you obtained them.
  • Take video footage of the property so that you can have additional documentation.
  • Get quotes for repairs before your adjuster visits; this way, you can know if the settlement estimate they provide will cover repairs.
  • Talk with your insurance adjuster about how long it might take to settle your claim.
  • Get a second opinion if you believe you’re being treated unfairly by your insurance company.