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From the first call

How a claim review works

Six steps, and you can stop after any of them. Most of the work happens on paper before anyone mentions a lawsuit.

  1. 01

    Step 1: Call, text or ask for a call back

    Tell me what was damaged, when, and what the insurer has said so far. Ten minutes is usually enough to know whether it's worth a closer look.

  2. 02

    Step 2: Send the papers

    If we go on, you'll get a secure link for the policy, the denial or estimate letters, and your photos. Nothing confidential goes through this website.

  3. 03

    Step 3: I read the policy

    The whole policy, endorsements included, set against the insurer's letters. You get a plain answer about what it should have paid.

  4. 04

    Step 4: A second look at the damage

    Where it helps, an engineer, contractor or adjuster you trust inspects the property and writes their own estimate.

  5. 05

    Step 5: A written demand

    The insurer gets a letter that lays out the policy, the facts and the number. Many claims settle here.

  6. 06

    Step 6: Appraisal, settlement or suit

    If it doesn't, we choose the next step together: the policy's appraisal process, a negotiated settlement, or a lawsuit.

Start a folder

Keep these from day one

You don't need all of it to call. It helps to start saving it now.

  • Photos and video

    Of the damage, before repairs, with dates. Wide shots and close-ups.

  • Every letter

    The denial, the estimate, and anything else with the insurer's name on it.

  • A call log

    Each call with the insurer: the date, who you spoke to, what they said.

  • Receipts

    Tarps, board-up, motel nights, meals and anything you paid because of the loss.

  • Contractor estimates

    Written ones, with the contractor's name and number on them.

  • The full policy

    Ask the insurer for a complete copy if you can't find yours.

Fees, costs and the first call

The first call is free. Most insurance claims are taken on contingency: there's no fee unless money is recovered, and then the fee is a share of the recovery, set out in a written agreement before any work starts.

Under a contingency agreement you may still owe case costs, such as filing fees, engineer inspections and expert reports, whether or not anything is recovered. The written agreement says which.

Some reviews, such as reading a policy before you buy or renew it, are done for a flat fee quoted up front instead.