Property Claims – FAQs
Having an accident at home can be stressful, settling your claim doesn’t have to be. Learn more about our claims process with our FAQs.
How do I start a homeowner’s claim?
The fastest way to file a claim is by contacting your agent’s office or reaching out to our Claimsline at 888-432-4527. Once you file your claim, you should hear from an adjuster within 24 business hours.
What information do I need when filing a homeowner’s claim?
You’ll need to tell us what was damaged inside and outside your home, as well as the cause of the damage. We may ask you to provide photos, temporary repair estimates, invoices and any other supporting claim documentation.
Where do I send information about my damages?
You can send information, including photos, through email to your adjuster.
How long will my homeowner’s claim take?
The length of this type of claim depends on several factors including:
• The amount or severity of damage.
• The availability of contractors or materials, especially after a natural disaster.
• Your availability.
How will my claim get paid?
Farm Bureau will issue a check or offer an EFT deposit when applicable.
When there is a lienholder on the claim property, the check will typically be a two-party check written to you and your lienholder due to their interest in the property. Similarly, when a contractor has completed work, a two-party check may be issued to you and the contractor. In either case, you will need to endorse the check and provide it to your lienholder or contractor.
Will filing a homeowner’s claim affect my premium?
Homeowner premiums are affected by many factors such as statewide changes and claim history. Premiums can change from renewal to renewal for many reasons, and you will be informed about changes to your policy as your renewal date nears.
Inspection
Will Farm Bureau send someone out to do an inspection?
We don’t always have to send someone to your home to do an inspection, which can sometimes even be done through your smartphone. There are some claims that can use photos to see the damage to your home. Your adjuster will discuss what process is best suited for your claim and situation.
What if I need to reschedule my inspection?
Message your adjuster to reschedule the inspection. Keep in mind rescheduling your inspection can make your claim take longer.
What will the adjuster be doing?
When an adjuster visits your home, they’ll be checking all the damaged areas you mentioned in your claim. They’ll inspect your home with a critical eye to ensure they don’t miss any damage that could be covered by your policy and to understand the cause of the loss. The adjuster will write a report, or an estimate, that details what it would cost to repair or replace the covered damaged items.
Can I just send in photos or videos, so no one has to come to my home?
It depends. You may be able to submit photos or video of the damage. Check with your adjuster to see if this is the best option for inspection.
Will I have to be at my home during the inspection?
Not always. There are a few situations when you don’t have to be there for the inspection:
• If there’s only damage to the outside of your home, such as roof damage.
• If someone else, such as a family member or property manager, can grant access to the home to see damage to the interior of the home. They must be 18 or older.
• If you have a smart lock and can remotely grant access to the adjuster to see damage to the interior of the home.
What happens after the inspection is complete?
After the adjuster finishes their report about the damage to your home or personal belongings, they’ll review the details to determine what your policy will and won’t cover. Your adjuster will evaluate coverage and any third-party submitted estimates to draft an estimate detailing the cost to repair or replace the items covered by your policy.
The process may take longer during certain situations such as natural disasters with widespread damage.
Personal Property
What is considered personal property in a homeowner’s claim?
Personal property is items you own that were damaged due to a covered loss. You may be able to include these as part of the damage. This can include items such as clothing, furniture, TVs, etc.
What information should I include when making a list of the items I’m claiming?
Send your adjuster a message with the following details:
• Name of the item
• Age of the item
• A brief description of the item
• Approximate cost to replace the item of like kind and quality
What if I don’t have a receipt?
If you don’t have a receipt, you can submit other proof of ownership.
Do I need to save my damaged stuff?
Yes. Save your damaged items until your adjuster tells you it’s okay to dispose of them.
What if I need to add something to my inventory?
If you need to add something to your inventory, send your adjuster a message and include the following details:
• Name of the item
• Age of the item
• A brief description of the item
• Approximate cost to replace the item of like kind and quality
What if recoverable depreciation was deducted from my personal property payment?
If you have replacement coverage, you’ll be paid back depreciation based on the replacement of your damaged items once you submit the final invoice or receipt. If your replacement item costs less than estimated, you may receive a lower amount. There may be certain instances in which recoverable depreciation wouldn’t apply to your personal property.
Repairs
How long will the homeowners insurance claims process take?
The length of this type of claim depends on several factors including:
• The amount or severity of damage.
• The availability of contractors or materials, especially after a natural disaster.
• Your availability.
How do I find a contractor?
Your adjuster can provide you with a list of qualified service providers. But you have the right to use a contractor of your choice to repair your home. Your policy will cover the reasonable costs of repairing your home no matter who you choose. Please make sure to provide the estimate to your adjuster before the repair work begins to make sure all the proposed repairs are reasonable and covered under the policy.
You can ask others for recommendations. Ask your friends or family what it’s like working with a specific contractor and determine if that will work for you.
You can search online. Read reviews and investigate the company’s background with a website like the Better Business Bureau or other consumer rating company.
What do I do if I find more damage?
Some damage isn’t visible until work begins. If there are additional damages or costs, message your adjuster before starting work. Your policy may cover the additional damage with a supplement.
A supplement is an estimate that outlines any incremental cost or damage. An additional payment may be made to you or your contractor to cover the costs.
What happens if I want to make upgrades or renovations?
Your policy will only pay for what’s covered under your claim and doesn’t cover the added cost of improvements or upgraded items. If the repairs are going to cost more than the estimate and you want a review of the supplement for payment, email your adjuster an itemized estimate with photos showing the need for an increase.
What if I can’t be home during repairs?
If you’re comfortable providing your contractor access to your home, it isn’t necessary to be there. But this is at your discretion and at your risk.
Who do I contact if I have a problem with my repairs?
If possible, work with your contractor directly. If you’re unable to resolve your concerns or if you’re having repeated problems with your contractor, contact your adjuster. If you’ve decided to no longer work with the contractor, contact your adjuster so they can advise you on the next steps.
What if my contractor caused additional damage to my home?
Send your adjuster a message immediately and they can advise you on next steps.
Additional Living Expense (ALE)
What is additional living expenses, or ALE, coverage?
If you find that you can’t live in your home due to a covered loss, your policy may provide coverage for any increase in your reasonable living expenses. This would help you maintain your normal standard of living.
You may be reimbursed for covered expenses above your normal day-to-day expenses due to your temporary relocation if applicable, such as:
• Housing including a hotel
• Pet boarding
• Moving costs
• Temporary storage
• Increased meal expenses
• Gas
• Laundry
• Parking
If you must move out of your home, we’ll try to keep you as close to your home as possible.
Hold onto any receipts and submit them to your adjuster.
How long is additional living expenses coverage available?
Your policy provides coverage for ALE for the shortest time required to complete the covered repairs. If you permanently relocate, it’s the shortest time needed for your household to settle elsewhere or until you have reached the policy limit.
Work with your contractor to determine the timeline for your repairs and give the information to your adjuster at your earliest convenience.
Can Farm Bureau help me find temporary housing?
Yes. We’ve partnered with temporary housing vendors that may assist in locating accommodations during your covered repairs. You may be contacted directly by the vendor to confirm housing.
What if I am staying at a friend or family member’s home?
If you’re staying at a friend’s house while your home is unlivable and your friend is charging you to stay, message your adjuster and provide the details to them.
Notice: These questions and answers are not intended to be exhaustive and are not legally binding. Farm Bureau reserves the right to make amendments to the information contained in this document at any time. If there is any discrepancy between these questions and answers and the terms and conditions of your insurance policy, the insurance policy terms and conditions will be controlling.
