How Renters Insurance Claims Work

Renters insurance provides coverage for your belongings if they become damaged in a covered incident, such as a fire. In addition, renters insurance usually covers additional living expenses if you need to live elsewhere temporarily.

Most renters insurance policies are relatively straightforward. However, it’s still a good idea to know the details of your renters insurance policy so that if you need to file a claim, you can do so easily. Peachstate Insurance can review your policy with you and explain the claims process so that if you need to file a claim, you know what you need to do.
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I Need To File a Renters Insurance Claim
If you experience a covered loss, it’s understandable that you’d want to be reimbursed or covered for damages as soon as possible. That’s why it’s so important to understand the claims submission process. Missing even one step could delay your claim(s) approval—or result in your claim being denied.

If you need to file a renters insurance claim, these are generally the steps you will need to take.

1. Report any damage or loss to your landlord. Tell your landlord immediately about any damage or loss. Your landlord may be liable for repairing broken doors, windows, or other damage to your property.

2. Report any damage or loss to the authorities. If you have a theft, vandalism or burglary, contact the police immediately. To file a renters insurance claim, reporting the theft or break-in is required. The police report will also help provide proof to your insurer and make the claims process run more smoothly.

3. Contact your insurance company. Besides contacting your landlord and the police and safeguarding your property, you must immediately contact your insurer. Almost all insurers have a deadline for filing a claim, usually 48 to 72 hours after the damage or loss occurred. Be sure to have your policy number, any details regarding the damage (e.g., when and what time it happened) and a phone number where you can be reached.

4. Document damaged items. Write down and take photos or videos of all damage before any repair work is done. Don’t throw any of your damaged items away until a claims adjuster has inspected your property. If a claims adjuster isn’t necessary, your insurer will let you know. A detailed written home inventory is helpful for filing your claim more quickly and helps determine the replacement cost of your damaged or lost items.

5. Protect your home and belongings. Before you file your claim, ensure the rest of your belongings and home are safe. Seal any broken windows and make other necessary repairs, such as changing your locks, to ensure your safety. Keep all your maintenance and repair receipts.

6. Make temporary living arrangements, if needed. If you have security concerns and must live elsewhere while repairs are being done, keep a record of all your expenses. Your insurer may reimburse you for these temporary expenses if you have coverage for “loss of use” in your renters insurance policy.

What Happens After I Make a Claim?
After you file a renters insurance claim, your insurer may send a claims adjuster to investigate the damage and determine how much you’re eligible to receive as a reimbursement. The claims adjuster will ensure your claim is valid and eligible under the policy descriptions for covered losses.

Sometimes claims are denied. If this happens, you can usually file an appeal, which may require you to obtain legal counsel. Common reasons that claims are denied include:

You didn’t meet your deductible. You need to pay the deductible amount before your insurer pays the rest.
The damage you’re claiming isn’t covered. Your renters insurance policy details what is and isn’t covered, so make sure to follow the rules when you file a claim.
You took too long to file your claim. Renters insurance companies require that you file a claim within a certain period after the damage occurred.
You don’t have enough supporting evidence. For many claims, you’ll need receipts or proof of purchase to prove you actually owned the property you claimed you lost.
You’re committing fraud. If you never owned an item, don’t try to file a claim on it.

The damage falls under your landlord’s homeowners insurance. If there is damage to the building itself, this should be covered by your landlord’s homeowners insurance. You don’t need to claim this loss.

Peachstate Insurance can help you with renters insurance and ensure you are informed so you can knowledgeably file a claim if you need to.

How Renters Insurance Claims Work

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