Understanding the Claims Process

Although each insurance company’s claims processes are different, the goals are always the same. That is, to collect the necessary information from you so that your claim can be processed fairly and quickly. For many years, Paul Davis Restoration has been working on your behalf and with the insurance industry to help you navigate through the process easily. Your insurance company may have a preferred list of contractors, who are usually pre-qualified by your company. Remember, however, you may select any contractor you wish to do the repairs.

1. The first step is to submit your claim to either your agent or directly to a representative of your insurance company. With most companies, this may be done by telephone or by the internet. You can always talk to the agent who sold you your homeowners’ policy for guidance or they may be able to submit a claim on your behalf. To file a claim yourself, look on your insurance policy for a phone number.
2. Once a claim has been filed, a claim number will be assigned. In most cases they will also assign an adjuster. While insurance companies differ in their claims process, the following basically holds true. Some companies have field adjusters who will visit your home to inspect the damage; others may use independent adjusting firms. Sometimes it may be a telephone adjuster, who relies on contractor estimates to settle a claim.
3. For emergency situations, it is essential to have an experienced restoration contractor at the initial inspection. The contractor can be invaluable in being able to stop the damage from getting worse (see “Understand your policy”). To request service from a certified Paul Davis Restoration contractor, click here or call 888-4PDR-NOW (888-473-7669). Knowing your policy and claim numbers and deductible amounts will help expedite the process. Response time may vary; expect to hear back within 30 minutes, with a technician on-site within 4 hours.
4. Understand your insurance policy. One of the most important things to understand about your policy is that it is your obligation to prevent any further damage from occurring. Therefore, report your claim promptly, contact an experienced restoration contractor, and keep track of expenditures. In order to ensure payment for damages incurred, communications with your agent and/or adjuster is key. 
5. A qualified restoration contractor who understands the claims process and can prepare a thoroughly detailed computerized estimate is vital. At Paul Davis Restoration, we can make it easier for you by submitting our estimates to your insurance company and adjuster, in most cases, within 48 hours. This helps to expedite the approval process thereby getting the repair work completed that much sooner.
6. Several factors can influence the time it will take for your claim to be settled. Depending upon severity of loss, contractor availability and insurance company claims handling processes, your claim may take anywhere from a few days to several months. In emergency situations, some work can begin while estimating is in progress. Paul Davis Restoration offices are trained to work with you and your insurance company to help reduce the time it takes to settle your claim and begin the repair process.
7. Paul Davis Restoration expedites the claim process by utilizing third-party pricing, which is widely accepted by the insurance industry. This also ensures that you receive an accurate assessment and you are fairly compensated for your loss.
8. In many cases your insurance company will pay the restoration contractor directly for the work. If your name is included on the insurance check, you will be asked to endorse the check over to the contractor when the work is complete and you are satisfied with the outcome. In some cases your mortgage company may also be included on the insurance check. If so, your assistance will be required in the process of getting an endorsement from your mortgage company. You may be responsible for paying a deductible, which in most cases will be due to the contractor at the time work is started. The amount of your deductible can be found on your insurance policy.

At Paul Davis Restoration we recognize that this is not an easy time for you. At times like this it pays to work with a firm who understands the claims process and can return your property to normal as quickly as possible.

To request service from a certified Paul Davis Restoration contractor, click here or call 888-4-PDR-NOW (888-473-7669).