Homeownership in New York City comes with a unique set of challenges. From summer thunderstorms that cause water damage to winter polar vortexes that freeze pipes, there is potential for property damage throughout the entire year. Knowing how to navigate the icy waters of insurance claim processes is imperative once a catastrophe occurs.
But don’t fret; this guide will help you through every step of filing an insurance claim in the NYC area.
Document Everything
When damage occurs, documentation becomes your most powerful ally. Before touching anything, consider:
- Taking photos from different angles
- Recording applicable videos
- Creating a list of all damaged items
- Saving receipts for emergency repairs
In a fast-paced city like New York, the first instinct most of us have is to start cleaning up. Still, providing sufficient documentation is far more important, especially if you want an insurance claim to go through.
Review Your Policy Before Filing
Before making that call to your insurance company, take time to review your policy. Homeowners in NYC often have particular coverage issues that are different from those living even in the suburbs or the rural areas. Co-op and condo owners need to understand where their personal policy ends and where the building’s master policy begins.
Apartment dwellers should be aware that standard policies may exclude things that are specific to NYC such as bedbug outbreaks or damage from subway vibrations.
Act Quickly but Thoroughly
Most insurance policies require prompt notification after damage occurs. However, as is the case with other aspects of life, prompt does not mean rushed. You may take 24 – 48 hours to gather the required documentation and review the policy, but do not take weeks to file. NYC’s fast pace extends to insurance claims—adjusters handle high volumes of cases in the city, and getting in their queue quickly matters.
