Filing a Claim: Your Complete Guide

Dwelling Coverage

Damage to your home's structure from covered perils like fire, wind, hail, and vandalism.

Personal Property

Your belongings (furniture, electronics, clothing) damaged or stolen.

Liability Protection

If someone is injured on your property or you accidentally damage someone else's property.

Additional Living Expenses

Hotel, meals, and other costs if your home is uninhabitable during repairs.

1. File a police report – This is required for all theft claims. Get the report number.
2. Document what's missing – List all stolen items with descriptions, purchase dates, and values.
3. Gather proof of ownership – Receipts, photos, credit card statements, or serial numbers.
4. Don't replace items yet – Wait until the adjuster reviews your claim.
5. Contact us – We'll guide you through the claims process and help maximize your recovery.

Pro tip: Keep a home inventory with photos and receipts in cloud storage for faster claims processing.

Renters insurance covers your belongings, not the building.

• Your landlord's policy covers the building structure only.
• Your renters policy covers your personal property, liability, and additional living expenses.
• File claims the same way – Document damage, make lists, contact us.

Common Chicago renter claims: theft, fire damage, water damage from upstairs neighbors, and liability for guest injuries.

Landlord policies have unique considerations:

• Document tenant communication – Save all texts, emails, and written notices.
• Loss of rental income – If covered, you may claim lost rent during repairs.
• Tenant-caused damage – May be covered depending on your policy and circumstances.
• Liability claims – If a tenant or guest is injured due to property conditions.

Contact us immediately if a tenant threatens legal action – your liability coverage may provide legal defense.

• Certified death certificate – Original or certified copy
• Policy number – Or policy document if available
• Claimant's identification – Government-issued ID
• Completed claim form – Provided by the insurance carrier
• Beneficiary's Social Security number – For tax reporting purposes

If the death was accidental, additional documentation may be required for AD&D benefits.

For short-term or long-term disability claims:

1. Notify your employer – If it's a group policy through work.
2. Obtain claim forms – Usually includes employee, employer, and physician sections.
3. Gather medical documentation – Diagnosis, treatment records, and physician's statement of disability.
4. Document your occupation – Job description and physical/mental requirements.
5. Submit within the deadline – Most policies require filing within 30-90 days of disability onset.

Elimination Period

The waiting period (often 90 days) before benefits begin. You won't receive payments during this time.

Common reasons for denial and what to do:

• Contestability period – If death occurs within 2 years of policy issue, carriers can investigate for misrepresentation.
• Lapsed policy – Non-payment of premiums. Check if a grace period or reinstatement applies.
• Excluded cause of death – Some policies exclude suicide within the first 2 years.
• Beneficiary disputes – Multiple claimants or unclear designations.

Your options:

1. Request a written explanation of the denial.
2. Gather additional documentation to address the carrier's concerns.
3. File an appeal with the insurance company.
4. Contact the Illinois Department of Insurance for assistance.
5. Consult an attorney if necessary.

Most health insurance claims are filed by providers, but you should know:

In-Network Providers

The provider files claims directly. You pay your copay, deductible, or coinsurance.

Out-of-Network Providers

You may need to pay upfront and submit claims for reimbursement.

Claim Denials

You have the right to appeal. Request an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) and follow the carrier's appeal process.

Timely Filing

Most plans require claims within 1 year of service. Don't wait.