Household accidents are a fact of life. The reason for all you have coverage to protect their assets. Getting coverage is only one step. Know what your policy covers and how? This may seem a silly question, but the fact is that many homeowners who have a very rude awakening as to how much they are insured. The first thing to do if you do not understand their policy after reading that is having your insurance provider to explain it. It's better where you stand now before a disaster. Ask away! Some important questions are: 1. Are your belongings insured for replacement cost (the amount of money it would take to replace an item today), or the actual cash value (replacement cost less depreciation)? This makes a big difference when you are restocking lost at home. 2. Is your house insured for its replacement value? Some people cut corners to save a few dollars and ensure the house for half the replacement cost or a fraction of the replacement value. When the time comes you have enough money to rebuild if a disaster erupts? 3. What liability coverage are provided through the policy of its owner? It makes a difference when visiting his son Mikey little friend gets hurt at home under her roof. Boys Will Be Boys, but that will not help you pay your hospital bills! You know the answer to all questions? If there is no reading and asking these questions the representative of their home insurance. Now that you have covered your bases, you should feel a little safer, you are ready for the day, when you must file that claim. That day is now! What next? The answer to that question depends on what type of claim being submitted. First off any threat of life for you and your family. If there is a fire at his home leave and call the fire department. If it has been stolen call the police! Once the emergency has been directed to call your agent or insurance company immediately. Have your policy number available if possible. The importance of immediately calling is that insurance companies set a time limit for filing claims. Once you've finished asking you questions, ask anything you need to know. Am I covered? Does my claim exceed the deductible? When will I receive my check? How long will the claim process take? Will I have to get estimates for repairs? Remember that the only dumb question is a question, make sure you understand everything. The next steps of the kind common sense, make repairs and / or take steps to protect your property from further damage. Keep all receipts of what you spend, submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. Prepare a list of items lost or damaged. Save any documentation you have, if you have a catalog of home inventory, use this to expedite your claim. Keep receipts for living expenses during this period of time if your home is so damaged that he can not live at home. Provide any additional information necessary to your insurance provider assigned to handle your request. Finally, if you are not satisfied with any part of its settlement offer, talk to your representative. Make it clear to you step by step how they arrived at the figure we are offering.