Posted on: Feb 18, 2019 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Home Insurance Claim Process Made Easy

How to file a home insurance claim?

A home is an investment, but it is much more than that. A home is an emotion and a home is an achievement. A home is a place where memories are made and cherished. This is why protecting your precious home becomes so important. You can protect your home by purchasing a home insurance plan from a reputed insurance provider. There are many benefits to buying such a plan. Take a look at this article to know more and also to understand how a home insurance claim is made.

What is home insurance and why is it important?

Home insurance is a form of general insurance where you get protection for your house. The insurance company promises to protect the house from a number of calamities and if there is any damage or theft thereafter, you are compensated for the loss. In return for this assurance, you have to pay a premium to the insurer.

Also known as building insurance, home insurance is very effective and allows you to protect your house in an easy manner. This is why you need to invest in a good house insurance policy and keep your beloved home and all its belongings safe. Modern-day insurance companies offer very modern and useful life plans. These are reasonable and you can easily make claims. The claim process of home insurance is also quite straightforward.

When can a claim be made?

As mentioned above, the home insurance claims are quite simple. If you adhere to the rules and have valid grounds for the claim, it will be processed quickly and easily. Here are some grounds on which you can make a claim on your home plan:

1. Natural calamities

The house can get damaged due to natural calamities such as earthquakes or cyclones. In such a case, you can make a home insurance claim and get compensated for the damages incurred.

2. Fire

Fire is a major worry for homeowners as a blaze can be devastating and destroy the house and the items inside it. This is why a home plan proves to be handy as it covers all fire-related damages.

3. Theft

If your house is robbed or any damage is incurred due to attempted theft, you can get compensated under s home insurance policy.

4. Damage or loss of household items

If your expensive furniture, upholstery or other valuable household items get damaged or stolen, you will be entitled to a home insurance claim.

5. Loss of valuable items in the house

The standard home insurance plans in India offer coverage for damage or loss of valuables. This is a very beneficial cover as you often have expensive items such as jewellery, etc. in the house.

If you qualify to make a claim, you can do so by following the claim process, which is quite simple. Find a detailed explanation below.

The process to make a home insurance claim

If you are wondering how to claim home insurance, we are here to help! Take a look at these simple steps and learn how to make a claim quickly:

1. Quickly inform the insurer

When there is a need to make a claim, the first thing you should do is inform your insurance provider. You can do so by calling on the helpline number or contacting the insurer via their website.

2. Inform the police if needed

If there is a theft or you suspect any form of foul play, inform the police at the earliest. In such a case, you will have to submit a copy of the FIR when you initiate the home insurance claim.

3. Collect evidence

Whether you need to make a claim due to a natural calamity or a manmade disaster, you will need all the evidence to make a strong case. Click photographs, submit eyewitness accounts, gather copies of the police report, etc. These bits of evidence will allow you to get the claim settled at a quicker pace.

4. Have the inspection

Once you inform the insurance provider and submit the claim form, your insurer will schedule an inspection of the property. Try to get the inspection done as soon as possible as only after the inspection will the claim be processed.

5. Get the reimbursements

After the inspector submits his report, the insurance company will pay out the claim amount. You only get a reimbursement, as cashless facilities are not very common in home insurance.

Follow these simple steps and you should be able to get your home insurance claim quite simply and quickly as well.

Tips to remember

It is not difficult to get a building insurance claim if you follow the correct guidelines and protocols. If you are looking to make a claim on your house insurance coverage, here are some handy tips for you:

1. Read the policy wording carefully

When you buy any insurance plan, including a home insurance plan, you need to read the policy wording very carefully. This will give you a fair idea about what is included in the policy and what is not. This will allow you to make a faster and more accurate claim which will, in all probability, be honoured.

2. Do a proper survey

Do a very good and thorough survey of the property before you file the claim. Look for the extent of the damage and make a proper estimate of the compensation amount. Being realistic will help you get the claim.

3. Follow up

After the claim is submitted and the inspection is done, ensure you follow up with the insurance provider regularly. Ideally, if the documents are in place and there is no foul play, the claim gets paid out soon. In some cases, though regular follow-up may be needed.

4. Be a responsible homeowner

And finally, remember to be a responsible homeowner. If you are careful and alert, many disasters can be avoided. If your house gets damaged due to negligence, you may not get the claim. Hence, always be responsible and avoid any damage to your property.

Conclusion

Modern-day home insurance plans are a blessing for all homeowners. If you have a house that you call your own, go ahead and cover it with a good insurance policy. You are aware of the home insurance claim process so don't hold yourself from making a claim to keep your home secured at all times.

Disclaimer : The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales

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