What You Need to Know When Filing a Homeowners Claim
The Indiana Department of Insurance provides tips to help in the event your home is damaged or destroyed by a covered disaster.
Indianapolis — Homeowners insurance includes a type of property insurance that pays for losses and damages to your home if it is damaged or destroyed by fire, weather, theft, or another covered disaster. When those events happen, you will need to file a claim. The Indiana Department of Insurance (IDOI) provides tips and resources to assist you through the process.
WHAT TO CONSIDER BEFORE FILING A CLAIM
Know when to file a claim. Before reporting the property damage to your home, find out what your deductible is. If the damage is minor, you might decide you are better off paying for the repairs out of pocket. If you believe the damage will cost more than your deductible to repair, or there is a lot of damage, you may want to file a claim.
If you decide to file a claim, it is important to notify your insurance company right away. The amount of time you have to report your claim varies by state.
Here are the steps you will need to take:
- Make a list of all your damaged property. You will need this when you meet with your adjuster.
- Take photos and videos of damage.
- Contact your insurance company or agent with your policy number, name, address, and phone number.
- You will need to explain what happened and describe the extent of the property damage.
WHAT IF YOUR HOME HAS FLOOD DAMAGE
Flood damage is generally not covered by a standard homeowners or renter’s insurance policy. If you have a separate flood insurance policy, remember to include a copy of the policy and the contact details for the insurer on your list. Flood is a covered event in most auto insurance policies.
Flood insurance is a separate coverage you can purchase through an agent or insurer participating in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). It is a program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which works closely with more than 80 private insurance companies to offer affordable flood insurance to homeowners, renters and business owners. In order to qualify for flood insurance, the home or business must be in a community that has joined the NFIP. If your community does not participate in the NFIP, contact your licensed insurance agent to ask about private flood insurance.
It is important to note that the NFIP insurance policy does not go into effect immediately after you purchase it. There is typically a 30-day waiting period unless a policy is bought at the same time as a newly purchased home.
KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ACTUAL CASH VALUE AND REPLACEMENT COST
Actual Cash Value is the cost to replace your damaged, stolen or destroyed personal property with new property of like kind and quality, minus depreciation. It is what you would pay at today’s cost, minus the depreciation. It is important to account for depreciation when considering Actual Cash Value coverage. Keep in mind that the cost of the insured property will be valued at a lower amount based on wear and tear and the age of the property. You will, however, be reimbursed for the actual cash value of your property at the time of the claim, minus your deductible.
Replacement Cost is the amount it would take to replace or rebuild your home or repair damages with materials of similar kind and quality, without deducting for depreciation. In other words, it is what you would pay to replace your property at today’s cost. Many insurance companies require homes to be insured for at least 80 percent of their replacement value. With 80 percent coverage, the insurance company will pay losses in full, less any deductible, up to the face amount of your policy.
THINGS YOU SHOULD DO TO PREPARE
Take an inventory. Go through every room in your home; write down and take pictures or videos of everything in the room. Inventory everything, including valuable items such as antiques, electronics, jewelry, collectibles, and guns.
Do this before a disaster strikes. The NAIC’s free Home Inventory App will help you with the process. You can download it from the App Store and Google Play. It allows you to take pictures and document your items by room and category.
If you do not use an app for your inventory, store your inventory in a secure place at another location, such as your workplace, a safe deposit box, a relative’s house, or online.
- Review and update your inventory annually, including your pictures/videos.
- Update your inventory when you buy new items.
- Keep receipts with your inventory for all repairs and new items you buy for proof if you have to file a claim.
Work from memory if your property was destroyed and you have no records.
- Review photos (e.g., on your cell phone or from family or friends) taken inside your home. That may help you make the list.
- Search online retailers to help estimate costs.
Consider getting appraisals for high-value items, such as jewelry, antiques, electronics, collectibles, and guns, and scheduling them under the policy. Most homeowner’s policies only have fixed limits and fixed causes of loss for these items. The limits are minimal to the value of some of these items. If you want to have valuable items properly covered, they need to be specifically scheduled on the policy and backed up by a current and valid appraisal.
Collect the 24-hour contact information for your insurance agent and insurer and enter it as a contact on your smartphone. Make a list that includes your policy numbers, insurer and insurance agent’s phone numbers, website addresses and mailing addresses. Also, check to see if the company or agent has an emergency information hotline.
Know how to work with contractors. A contractor is someone you hire to manage the repair of your home. The contractor is responsible for supplying the necessary equipment, material, labor, and services to complete repairs. Don’t feel rushed or pushed to agree with something you aren’t comfortable with when it comes to repairs. It might help to have your contractor meet with you and the insurance adjuster.
HOW THE IDOI CAN HELP YOU WITH A COMPLAINT ABOUT A CLAIM
If the insurance company has not followed the terms and conditions of your policy, you may submit a consumer complaint form with the IDOI Consumer Services Division. The IDOI can obtain information or explanations on your behalf from the insurance company or their representatives and review the information for compliance with statues, regulations, and policy contracts. The IDOI may take corrective action against a company if actions are in violation of a statute, regulation, or policy the IDOI enforces. Visit in.gov/idoi/consumer-services to learn more about the complaint process.
About the Indiana Department of Insurance
The Indiana Department of Insurance protects Indiana’s insurance consumers by monitoring and regulating the financial strengths and market conduct activities of insurance companies and agents. The IDOI monitors insurance companies and agents for compliance with state laws to protect consumers and to offer them the best array of insurance products available. The IDOI also assists Hoosiers with insurance questions and provides guidance in understanding how insurance policies work.
AMERICAN HERITAGE RIVERBOAT TO DOCK IN EVANSVILLE ON AUGUST 8
Evansville, IN – August 1, 2022 – Visit Evansville and American Cruise Lines have announced the return of cruise ships to Evansville’s Ohio River shore. The first ship to arrive will be American Heritage, a classic newly renovated paddle-wheeler boat carrying 150 passengers. The riverboat will moor on Monday, August 8 at the dock formerly occupied by the LST 325 and will offer daytime excursions for passengers from approximately 8:30 AM – 12 PM. A welcome ceremony will be held at 8:15 AM, with greetings from the mayor, community ambassadors, and other City and County officials.
“American Cruise Lines is so pleased to be visiting Evansville, as we continue to grow and offer more cruises on the Ohio River. Together with community partners, we are building for the future of Ohio River cruising, including more riverboats, new ports of call, and new opportunities for guest enrichment throughout the surrounding communities,†said Paul E. Taiclet, Executive Vice President, American Cruise Lines.
“We are thrilled to be working with American Cruise Lines to reestablish Evansville as a stop for cruise ships and riverboats along the Ohio River. Our city, and its unique location geographically, positions us to introduce visitors to a wealth of attractions and amenities in and around our community,†said Alexis Berggren, President & CEO of Visit Evansville.
Visit Evansville recently entered into an agreement between the City of Evansville and Inland Marina, Inc. to manage and maintain the dock formerly occupied by the LST 325, to attract riverboats, cruise ships and other tourism-related activities to the area. American Cruise Lines is the first agreement to be formerly achieved, and the two companies continue to work toward a long-term partnership.
About American Cruise Lines
American Cruise Lines offers river cruising and small ship coastal cruising in the U.S.A. Year after year, America continues to launch the newest U.S.-built ships and uniquely curated itineraries for exploring and Cruising Close to Home®. On all American cruises, guests discover the history, spirit, and culture of the United States aboard a sophisticated fleet of American riverboats and small cruise ships. American operates 15 ships, all accommodating just 100-190 passengers, which cruise more than 35 domestic itineraries in 34 states. American offers domestic Flat-Rate Airfare for all its U.S. cruises and complimentary pre-cruise hotel stays for all Mississippi River cruises. Â
 About Visit Evansville
Visit Evansville is the official sales and marketing agency for tourism in Evansville, Indiana and Vanderburgh County. Visit Evansville is dedicated to marketing and supporting local hotels and attractions and enhancing the area’s economy by selling the region as a premier destination for conventions, meetings, sports events, leisure, and business. Additionally, Visit Evansville operates the Evansville Sports Complex, a state-of-the-art, multi-use sports facility, home to Deaconess Sports Park and Goebel Soccer Complex.
Gov. Holcomb Makes Appointments to Various Boards and Commissions
INDIANAPOLIS — Governor Eric J. Holcomb today announced several appointments to various state boards and commissions.
Board of Trustees of Purdue University
The governor made one reappointment to the board, who will serve until July 1, 2025:
- Malcolm DeKryger (DeMotte), president and co-owner of Belstra Milling Company
Commission for Higher Education
The governor made three reappointments to the commission:
- Anne Bowen (Terre Haute), MBA student at Indiana State University, who will serve until June 30, 2024
- Al Hubbard (Indianapolis), co-founder of E&A Industries, will serve until June 30, 2025
- Christopher LaMothe (Indianapolis), former CEO of Elevate Ventures, who will serve until June 30, 2026
The governor also made three new appointments to the commission, who will serve until June 30, 2026:
- Mike Daigle (South Bend), CEO and executive director of the St. Joseph County Airport Authority
- Nancy Jordan (Fort Wayne), senior consultant with Bulldog Consulting Services
- Tom Saunders (Lewisville), retiring state representative
Governor’s Workforce Cabinet
The governor made three new appointments to the cabinet, who will serve until December 31, 2023:
- Theresa Koleszar (Brownsburg), director of the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services with FSSA
- Marilyn Pitzulo (Indianapolis), associate chief of workforce strategy and design with the Indiana Department of Workforce Development
- Steve Schreckengast (Lafayette), president and co-founder of Citation Homes, Inc.
State Ethics Commission
The governor made two reappointments to the commission, who will serve until December 31, 2025:
- Corrinne Finnerty (North Vernon), principal at McConnell Finnerty PC
- Katherine Noel (Kokomo), principal at Noel Law, will also continue her service as chair of the commission.
The governor also made one new appointment to the commission, who will serve until July 31, 2026:
- John Krauss (Indianapolis), former and founding director of the Indiana University Public Policy Institute
State Lottery Commission
The governor made one reappointment to the commission, who will serve until June 30, 2026:
- Norman Gurwitz (Indianapolis), consultant and former executive vice president, corporate counsel, and director of human resources for Emmis Communications Corporation
The governor also made one new appointment to the commission, who will serve until June 30, 2026:
- Roger Utzinger (Carmel), management consultant
Otters Can’t Capitalize In Middle Game Loss
Otters Can’t Capitalize In Middle Game Loss
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The Evansville Otters left five men on base in the final two innings as their comeback against the Lake Erie Crushers came up just short, 3-2.
For a second straight night, Lake Erie took a first-inning lead. Justin Felix overthrew third while attempting to throw out attempted base stealer Connor Owings. Due to the error, Owings scored on the play.
The 1-0 Crusher lead stayed firm into the fourth when Lake Erie added to it. Sacrifice fly RBIs by both Sean Cheely and Jake Gitter expanded the lead to 3-0.
Brett Adcock worked well into the game for Evansville, striking out 10 in the game.
Evansville began their comeback attempt in the sixth as Zach Biermann hit a leadoff home run to left. The Otters would have a man on third later in the inning but left him stranded.
In the bottom half of the seventh, directly after a Jackson Valera ground-rule double, the game entered a rain delay. Following 20 minutes of stopped action, play resumed and Brayden Bonner took over for Adcock, ending the inning quickly.
Evansville struck once again in the eighth as J.R. Davis brought in Biermann with an RBI single. But the Otters’ offense sputtered, leaving the bases loaded in the eighth.
In the ninth, Evansville again threatened, putting runners on the corners with just one. A fly-out and ground-out quickly ended Evansville’s opportunity to complete the comeback, giving Lake Erie a 3-2 win.
Adcock received the loss, his fourth of the season. Gunnar Kines allowed just one run in seven innings en route to the win. Alexis Rivero grabbed the save, his tenth of 2022.
Biermann finished with four hits, followed by Elijah MacNamee and Davis with two each.
Evansville’s loss sets up a series-ending rubber match on Thursday night, with the first pitch scheduled for 6:05 p.m. CT. Audio-only coverage begins on the Evansville Otters YouTube page at 5:55 p.m. CT.
The Evansville Otters are the 2006 and 2016 Frontier League champions.
 FOOTNOTE: The Otters play all home games at historic Bosse Field, located at 23 Don Mattingly Way in Evansville, Ind. Stay up-to-date with the Evansville Otters by visiting evansvilleotters.com, or follow the Otters on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
For more information, visit evansvilleotters.com or call (812) 435-8686.
Otters get final say in extra-innings series opener
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – It took extra innings for the Evansville Otters to grab a series-opening victory against the Lake Erie Crushers, 5-4.
Lake Erie wasted no time working away at Brice Stuteville, recording three straight base hits to open the game. The game’s first score came on an RBI single from Jackson Valera.
Evansville responded in the second, leveling the game with an RBI double from Jeffrey Baez. After Zach Biermann gave the Otters the lead by scoring on a wild pitch, George Callil added to the lead with an RBI single. But the Otters’ 3-1 lead did not last long.
In the bottom half of the third, the Crushers worked five straight men on base, retaking the lead. A two-run single from Jake Gitter once again tied the game – this time at 3-3. Bryan De Le Rosa gave Lake Erie their 4-3 lead with an RBI single one batter later.
The game saw a scoreless fourth inning before Evansville struck again in the fifth. Biermann tripled to right field, scoring Bryan Rosario to tie the game again.
From there, the bullpens entered the game and the score stood still. Finally, the game saw its top opportunity in the bottom of the ninth, as Lake Erie had the bases loaded with just one out. A fielder’s choice play at the plate and flyout got the Otters out of the inning defensively and into extra innings.
In the tenth, J.R. Davis kicked off the extra frame with a flyout to center, advancing the ghost runner Steven Sensley to third. Two batters later, Baez gave Evansville the lead with a fielder’s choice to shortstop.
Logan Sawyer entered for the Otters as Lake Erie came to bat. The ghost runner would not advance at all as Sawyer struck out all three batters faced to give Evansville the 5-4 win.
Augie Gallardo received the win in relief as the loss for Lake Erie fell on Sam Curtis. Sawyer threw for his league-leading 16th save of 2022 and 40th of his professional career.
Biermann was the only Otter with multiple hits in the game while Baez recorded a pair of RBIs.
The series continues Wednesday night as the Otters and Crushers meet once again from Mercy Health Park. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. CT. Audio-only coverage begins on the Evansville Otters YouTube page at 6:50 p.m.