Get answers to your home claims questions.
We're here to help you through every step of the home claims process. While your agent and our claims team representatives are just a phone call away at 1-800-588-7400, you can use this as a quick guide for finding answers to many commonly asked questions.
What's a deductible?
A deductible is the portion of a covered loss that you pay before the insurance company becomes responsible for payment under the policy. For example, if the covered claim is $4,500 and your deductible is $500, you pay $500 and Encompass pays the remaining $4,000.
After my home is damaged, should I proceed with temporary repairs?
In general, you must first protect your property from further damage. If repairs to the property are required, you must 1) make reasonable and necessary repairs to protect the property, and 2) keep an accurate record of repair expenses, including receipts.
Will I be repaid for temporary repairs?
If a covered loss damages your residence, your policy covers the reasonable cost for temporary repairs made to protect covered property from further damage. While it's your responsibility to protect property from further damage, those costs are reimbursed only if covered property is damaged by a covered peril.
My repairman has found additional damage from the loss that wasn't on the initial estimate—what should I do?
It's possible that further damages could be exposed once the repair process begins. If this happens, simply call your Encompass claims representative to arrange a time to investigate the newly found damages. Encompass will issue an additional payment for covered damages related to the loss, up to the applicable policy limit. Sometimes there's no need for the claims representative to physically inspect the damage, in which case payment is issued right away.
What if I don't agree with my Encompass claims representative's estimate?
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, differences of opinion do occur. When you disagree with our evaluation of damages, please contact your claims representative to discuss. Our commitment is always to settle claims as fairly as possible.
I have replacement cost coverage on the content of my home—what does this mean?
Under the Personal Property Reimbursement provision, the policy will pay, up to the policy limits, to replace covered damaged, destroyed or stolen property of like kind and quality.
Why is there depreciation shown on my estimate?
Although the estimate notes the amount of depreciation, Encompass will make an additional payment to reimburse you for costs in excess of the actual cash value up to the replacement cost noted on your estimate if you elect to repair, rebuild or replace the covered property. This is, of course, subject to the coverage, conditions and exclusion provisions of your policy.
Why does the check I received from Encompass include the name of my mortgage holder?
If you have a mortgage on your property, the mortgagee is usually named on your policy and included on claims payment checks for damages to your home. You will need to contact your mortgagee to find out how to obtain their endorsement on the check.
Now that I've had a claim, will my premium increase?
There are many factors that go into answering this question, including: policy coverage, prior claim history, loss type and tenure with Encompass. The best source for the answer is your Encompass Independent Agent, who would be happy to discuss your individual circumstances.
Have a home claims question that you don't see here?
Not to worry—we are here to help you any time, any day. Contact our claims team at 1-800-588-7400 or talk to your independent agent for additional guidance and support through your home property claim.
