How to File an Insurance Claim for Your Oklahoma City Home

Weather makes life exciting here in our neck of Tornado Alley.

When disaster strikes your Oklahoma City home, filing an insurance claim can be a complex and overwhelming process.
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Before you file a claim, it’s important to understand the terms and conditions of your homeowners insurance policy, especially as it relates to comprehensive home protection

Understanding the specifics of your policy coverage, including coverage limits and deductibles, can help you determine what type of damage is covered and what is not.

In this blog, we explore the key terms and conditions of Oklahoma City homeowners policies and provide tips on how to navigate the claims process in order to ensure you receive the financial protection you need.

Understanding Your Policy Terms and Conditions

For an annual cost, homeowners insurance policies typically offer coverage for different types of damage, which may include water damage, hail damage, and damage from tornadoes.

It's essential to understand the specifics of your policy coverage, including the type of damage and the cost of replacement or repair that is covered.

Your policy may also contain a dwelling coverage limit, which is the maximum amount the insurance company will pay to repair or replace your home.

Knowing the limits and deductibles of your coverage will help you better understand the potential financial impact of filing a claim.

Your policy may require you to report damage within a particular period of time. Temporary repairs may be necessary to prevent additional damage, but it's crucial to keep the receipts for those temporary repairs for future reimbursement.

Also, keep in mind that permanent repairs should be made as soon as possible after filing your claim.

Finally, it is essential to contact your insurance agent as soon as possible after suffering damage to your Oklahoma City home and to document all damage for your insurance claims adjuster.

Filing a Claim on Your Oklahoma City Homeowner’s Policy

Filing a claim on your Oklahoma City homeowner’s policy can be a confusing process, especially if it is your first time doing so.

It is important to know your insurance policy well in order to be aware of what is covered and what is not as part of the insurance contract.

When figuring out how to file a claim, there are several steps that can help to make the process easier.

Here's how to prepare to file an insurance claim on your Oklahoma City home.
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1. Review Your Insurance Policy

Before filing any claim, review your insurance policy and ensure that you understand what your insurance covers. Some policies may not cover damages caused by certain weather events, for instance.

2. Document the Damage

Document the damage (proof of loss) done to your home by taking photographs or videos. This documentation can be used to support your insurance claim, especially when it comes to repairing/replacing expensive items like a roof.

3. Contact Your Insurance Provider

Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible. Provide them with documentation of the damage and other necessary details. You may also need to provide details about the events that led to the damage.

4. Get Temporary Repairs

In some cases, temporary repairs may be necessary to prevent further damage. However, keep in mind that you may not have coverage for temporary repairs.

5. Wait for an Insurance Adjuster

After submitting a claim, a claim adjuster will conduct an assessment of the damage in your home and offer an estimate for the necessary repairs.

6. File the Claim

After the adjuster has assessed the damage and provided an estimate, your insurance provider will give you a deadline for filing the claim. Keep in mind that some insurance providers may require you to file within a certain time frame to avoid a late fee.

7. Make Permanent Repairs

Once you have received compensation for damages, you can hire contractors to fix the damage to your home. Ensure that the contractors you hire are reputable and that you have documentation of the work they have done.

By following these steps, you can prepare and file an insurance claim for your Oklahoma City home, giving you the financial protection you need.

Contact Your Insurance Agent or Company Representative for Assistance as Necessary

If your Oklahoma City home has suffered damage from a covered event such as water damage or hail damage, it’s important to promptly contact your insurance agent or company representative for assistance in filing a claim on your homeowner's policy.

The sooner you contact them, the more quickly you can start the claims process, which can lead to quicker resolution and repairs.

Having professional guidance during the claims process can provide several benefits, including understanding complex policy terms, coverage limits, and deductibles.

A qualified insurance agent can help you understand your policy's specifics and can assist in determining what is and is not covered.

They can also explain any potential add-on options or separate policies that may be available to provide additional coverage for your specific needs.

Failure to involve your insurance agent or representative in the claims process could lead to delays or denials of the claim.

They are experienced in handling claims and can help expedite the process on your behalf.

If your Oklahoma City home has suffered damage, it's essential to contact your insurance agent or company representative as soon as possible for assistance in navigating the claims process.

Types of Claims Commonly Filed on an Oklahoma City Homeowner’s Policy

Homeowners insurance policies in Oklahoma City cover a variety of claims. Most commonly, claims filed on these policies include property damage from events such as tornadoes, hailstorms, and water damage.

Tornadoes and hailstorms can cause significant damage to a home's structure, including broken windows, damaged roofs, and other structural damage. In most cases, the dwelling coverage or replacement cost policy on the homeowner's insurance policy will cover the cost of repairs or replacement.

Water damage claims can arise from a variety of sources, including burst pipes, flooding, and leaks. Depending on the cause of the water damage, a homeowner's insurance policy may cover the cost of repairs for both the structure of the home and personal property.

It's important to note that claims for cosmetic damage caused by these events may not be covered under a standard homeowners insurance policy. However, homeowners may be able to purchase additional coverage, such as an impact-resistant roof or flood insurance, to protect against these types of claims.

Homeowners in Oklahoma City should understand the types of claims commonly filed on their insurance policies and ensure they have the appropriate coverage to protect against property damage from tornadoes, hailstorms, and water damage.

Oklahoma Insurance Professionals Can Help

​As an independent insurance agency, we have access to a variety of homeowners insurance companies (i.e., insurance providers), making it easier to customize insurance coverage for our clients.

You can contact us for a free insurance audit and/or personalized home insurance quote.

Our insurance specialists serve Oklahoma City and the surrounding areas of Newcastle, Tuttle, Blanchard, Choctaw, Bethany, El Reno, Edmond, Moore, Norman, and Yukon with all types of coverage.

We look to find you the best insurance policy, with comprehensive coverage options at the best annual premium/insurance rates possible. 

We caution our potential clients shopping for the cheapest home insurance rates. 

You do get what you pay for and often that leaves holes in your coverage and reduced insurance benefits.
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Oklahoma home owners can't afford the risk or cost of not having proper protection.
Why not get started sooner rather than later by clicking below and having one of our insurance agents reach out to you for a homeowners insurance review?

Sooner rather than later

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Scott Godwin
Founder

Oklahoma Insurance Professionals LLC serves Oklahoma City and the surrounding Oklahoma communities by protecting the people we work with just like we protect our own family members.