What to Do if You Need to File an Insurance Claim for Your RV
Your RV’s insurance policy is there to help you cover the cost of repairs and replacements should your RV get damaged. All you have to do is file a claim and let your insurance company handle the tedious paperwork. But if you’ve never had to file an insurance claim, you may not know where to start. Here are a few key things you’ll want to do to streamline the process and get a settlement that’s fair and adequate so you can get back to camping as soon as possible.
Park It Somewhere Safe
If the damage is minor, you may be able to park your RV in your usual storage spot. But if the damage is extensive or your RV can’t move after the damage happens, you may need to leave your RV where it is or have it towed to another location. Assess the damage and consider what’s best for your RV and your safety.
Contact Your Insurance Company as Soon as Possible
Once you know that your RV is damaged, you’ll need to contact your insurance provider. Call the number on your insurance card and let them know that you need to file a claim. The insurance agent will guide you through the process and can tell you what to expect in the meantime. They may ask for a description of the damage or the accident that caused the damage.
Document the Damage Yourself
It’s a good idea to document as much of the damage as you can as soon as you can. This way, you’ll have a clear idea of the severity of the incident and can compare your documentation against anything the insurance adjuster sees. Take pictures of the inside and outside of your RV. Document everything, even if it seems like minor damage.
Be Present During the Insurance Adjuster’s Visit
Your insurance company will send out an adjuster to provide an estimate for the cost of repairs. While it may not be required, it’s a good idea to be present during the adjuster’s visit. This way, you can point out any damage they missed. This could make their estimate better and might help you get a larger initial settlement amount from your insurance provider.
Get Quotes From Your RV Repair Technician or Dealership
One important thing to remember is that you’re not required to accept the insurance company’s initial settlement. And you shouldn’t until you get the damage inspected by a licensed repair technician or your RV dealership. They understand the costs of repairs far better than the average insurance adjuster and may quote you a higher amount than the insurance company initially did. You can use that estimate to argue for a larger settlement amount from your insurance company.
Filing Insurance Claims Can Take Time
Filing an insurance claim is something that can take a few weeks to resolve. Be patient and communicate with your insurance provider regularly. This can help speed up the process. Keep in mind that some damage may not be covered by insurance companies. Things like lighting systems dying due to wear and tear or issues with your RV’s air conditioning system are typically not covered by your insurance policy.
At goHomePort, our in-house service team can fix many of your RV’s common issues. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Go Back Park It Somewhere Safe
If the damage is minor, you may be able to park your RV in your usual storage spot. But if the damage is extensive or your RV can’t move after the damage happens, you may need to leave your RV where it is or have it towed to another location. Assess the damage and consider what’s best for your RV and your safety.
Contact Your Insurance Company as Soon as Possible
Once you know that your RV is damaged, you’ll need to contact your insurance provider. Call the number on your insurance card and let them know that you need to file a claim. The insurance agent will guide you through the process and can tell you what to expect in the meantime. They may ask for a description of the damage or the accident that caused the damage.
Document the Damage Yourself
It’s a good idea to document as much of the damage as you can as soon as you can. This way, you’ll have a clear idea of the severity of the incident and can compare your documentation against anything the insurance adjuster sees. Take pictures of the inside and outside of your RV. Document everything, even if it seems like minor damage.
Be Present During the Insurance Adjuster’s Visit
Your insurance company will send out an adjuster to provide an estimate for the cost of repairs. While it may not be required, it’s a good idea to be present during the adjuster’s visit. This way, you can point out any damage they missed. This could make their estimate better and might help you get a larger initial settlement amount from your insurance provider.
Get Quotes From Your RV Repair Technician or Dealership
One important thing to remember is that you’re not required to accept the insurance company’s initial settlement. And you shouldn’t until you get the damage inspected by a licensed repair technician or your RV dealership. They understand the costs of repairs far better than the average insurance adjuster and may quote you a higher amount than the insurance company initially did. You can use that estimate to argue for a larger settlement amount from your insurance company.
Filing Insurance Claims Can Take Time
Filing an insurance claim is something that can take a few weeks to resolve. Be patient and communicate with your insurance provider regularly. This can help speed up the process. Keep in mind that some damage may not be covered by insurance companies. Things like lighting systems dying due to wear and tear or issues with your RV’s air conditioning system are typically not covered by your insurance policy.
At goHomePort, our in-house service team can fix many of your RV’s common issues. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.