Filing a Homeowner's Insurance Claim

Few things can be more unsettling than major damage to your home or property, which can lead to weeks of repairs and ongoing conversations with your insurance company, or even leave you temporarily homeless. Here are some tips to help you file Farm Bureau homeowners’ insurance claims with ease and lessen the stress of dealing with property damage.

1) Call your insurance company to file a claim immediately.

Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee customers can report a claim 24/7 by calling our Claims Reporting Service at 1-822-876-2222 or by reaching us online. When calling your insurance company, you’ll need to have your name, address, policy number and description of damage.

2) Take steps to prevent additional damage to your property.

For example, if your roof is damaged and rain is expected in the next few days, cover your roof with a tarp to protect your home from water damage.

3) Ask for a list of contractors from your insurance adjuster or agent.

This list of contractors will help you know who to contact for needed repairs. It is important to not make significant repairs yourself, which could lead to more damage. Leave it to a professional. If you’re in the market for a new insurance agent, you can find a Farm Bureau Insurance agent near you easily online.

4) Make a list of everything.

Take an inventory of everything that is damaged in your home, and take note of missing items.

5) Stay in touch with your adjuster, don’t throw away anything, and document everything.

How Does A Homeowners Insurance Claim Work?

Not all homeowners insurance policies are the same. For example, a Farmers Insurance roof replacement policy may differ significantly from a Farm Bureau roof replacement policy. If you’re wondering whether Farm Bureau covers termite damage or whether Farmers Insurance covers foundation repair, you need to stop, backtrack, and look closely at the policy details from the specific insurer that holds your policy.

1. As indicated in the tip section above, your first step toward making a homeowners insurance claim is to call your insurance company to file the claim.
2. Once you give them all the details, they can help you sort out next steps.
3. Typically, an adjuster will visit your property to review your claim, offer suggestions for appropriate local contractors who can repair damage, and keep you informed as the entire process progresses.
4. Once the insurance company reviews and approves your claim, you’ll select the insurer-approved contractor of your choice to complete the job.
5. Then, your insurer pays the contractor, the contractor completes the work, and the insurer keeps in touch with you and makes sure you receive the service and satisfaction you deserve.

Does Homeowners Insurance Go Up After A Claim?

Though there are exceptions, it’s likely that your homeowners insurance premiums could increase temporarily after you make a claim. However, the amount of the increase can depend on variables like your personal claim history and/or frequency and the type of claim you’re making. Although these decisions are all subjective, you may expect an increase after a claim if you experience a lot of severe weather or crime where you live, or if you’ve filed previous claims recently.

The good news is that these increases are usually temporary. While most claims stay on your record for at least a few years, if you manage to go a few more without another claim, your premiums are likely to decrease again. Though you may not return to the previous rate, it’s likely that your rates will come close.

Use Local Contractors for Homeownership Claims

When dealing with the aftermath of property damage, it’s important to keep in mind that your insurance adjuster and agent are your best resources for contractors and referrals. Too often we see customers use companies known as “storm chasers” who seek people in areas that have recently experienced a disaster and are in need of immediate repairs. Storm chasers typically leave the area shortly after their work is completed and are not available for follow up repairs or warranties. They also may not have knowledge of laws and building codes in your local area. Staying local is always the best way to go whether you’re looking for a contractor or an insurance agent!