Common claims questions
It’s important to note that it’s difficult to provide answers to scenario-based questions. The reason it’s difficult to answer scenario-based questions is that right answer often depends on the actual claim, and the circumstances and facts related to that claim.
For example, you may wonder if you be covered if my TV was damaged. The short answer is most likely yes. But it will depend on the type of policy you have, how the TV was damaged, what your limits of insurance and deductibles are, among other things. For example, if intentionally threw a glass at the TV because you were mad that your hockey team lost its game, you would not be covered as you’re policy excludes loss or damage you intentionally cause.
The best approach to determine what is and is not covered is to review your policy wordings. These wordings should explicitly indicate what is covered, what is not covered, what your limits of insurance are, and what your deductibles are. That said, your home insurance agent will do his or her best to answer your questions related to coverage and claims.
Provided below are some answers to common questions relating to home insurance claims.
Will making a claim increase my monthly premium?
The short answer is no. The longer answer is that all insurance premiums are based on the risk each customer represents. At Square One, when we review your policy – which we do once a year – we will look at all the factors that affect your premium. Depending on all the factors, there may be an increase in your premium at that time that is related to your claim.
How can I speed up the claim process?
Your Square One adjuster understands that your time is valuable and will work with you to process your claim quickly. Our adjusters communicate by email, to allow you the flexibility of responding on your schedule. If you have had a large loss and a lot of damaged property, you will want to take the time to identify what can be repaired and what must be replaced.
We’ve had a break-in. What should we do?
First, you need to call the police. Don’t touch anything, but do an initial visual inspection and try to make a list of what is missing – the police will need it and so will your insurance adjuster. Call us to report the claim – we will take all the details and assign an adjuster to help you. If there is damage to one of the entries to your home, we will arrange for necessary repairs to keep your home safe.
Should I make a claim for a small loss?
Your policy has a deductible, which is the portion of the loss you pay any time you make a claim. If your claim is less than your deductible, which is noted on the first page of your Policy Declaration, it likely doesn’t make sense to make a claim. When you apply for insurance, your claims history has an impact on the premium you are charged, so again, small claims may not be in your best interest. That said, insurance is designed to protect you, so it’s up to you.
If something is stolen from my car, is that a home insurance claim or an auto insurance claim?
This would be a claim on your home insurance policy, assuming the item that was stolen from your car was not permanently installed and that it was something that you have covered under your home insurance policy. For example, some insurance policies limit the amount of coverage for CDs and DVDs while they are in your car.
Do I have to use the contractor that the adjuster brings in or can I choose my own?
You are generally free to choose your own contractor, provided your adjuster is satisfied with the pricing that is offered and the ability of the contractor to perform the work that needs to be done.
