Preparing for Insurance Claims

If you are one of those incredibly organized people, always prepared for worst case scenario, you might already have an inventory of your household possessions and accompanying photos, which will make preparing your insurance claim much easier. HOWEVER, if you’re like me, preparation of this type wasn't a priority, and now it's too late. A friend who lost her home in the Oakland fires provided me with some tips from her insurance claim experience. Every situation is different, but in general you’ll need to provide as much detail as possible to maximize your payout. Here's what she had to say:

Even if you have no idea what the status/state of your home is right now, if you were evacuated, open a claim with your insurance company. Best to get a jump start on the process, just in case. If you find you don't need it, you can easily close it.

1)  Compile as many of your own photos as you can.  Photos of exterior as well as interior.  Photos of your furnishings, electronics, appliances, ‘big-ticket’ items. Think about all of the times you’ve entertained or holiday celebrations, and then reach out to friends and relatives to ask them for any photos they might have.

2) Begin to itemizing your personal possessions and household contents.  Go room by room.  Your photos will help.  Most insurance companies have special forms that you have to fill out, but you can get started with a rough list/spreadsheet of your own.