What to Do in the Event of a Home Insurance Claim

Experiencing a home insurance claim can be a stressful and overwhelming ordeal. Knowing what steps to take can alleviate some of the stress and expedite the recovery process. At Sutherland Insurance, we've got your back. From preferred restoration vendors to guidance on inventory management, we provide a streamlined claims experience unique to our service. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do in the unfortunate event of a home claim in Ontario.

Step 1: Contact Sutherland Insurance First

Before you do anything else, your first point of contact should be Sutherland Insurance. Our in-house claims specialist will discuss the nature of the claim with you, help you understand potential coverages, and guide you through the initial steps. It's crucial to reach out to us first, as we can swiftly dispatch one of our preferred restoration vendors to begin immediate mitigation and cleanup. 

Why our preferred vendors? We've built partnerships with restoration vendors who adhere to our stringent quality and service standards. These vendors are available exclusively to our clients, offering prompt service to limit further damage and begin the repair process as quickly as possible.

Step 2: Document the Damage

While our restoration vendors are on the way, begin documenting the damage. Photos and videos can be invaluable when it comes to supporting your claim. Be as thorough as possible, and remember, this documentation can significantly speed up the claims process.

Step 3: Inventory for Lost Contents

Having an inventory of your home contents is crucial when filing a claim. If you haven't already, there are plenty of apps and tools available to help you create a comprehensive home inventory. Here's why:
•    Quick Access to Information: An inventory provides instant access to the details of lost or damaged items, including their value.
•    Easier Claims Process: An inventory will help speed up the claims process, allowing you to recover quicker.

Be proactive -alongside your inventory, keep a digital collection of photos and receipts for valuable items. These can be incredibly valuable for accurately determining the worth of lost contents and making your claims process smoother.

Step 4: Complete Required Forms

After we've assessed the situation and our preferred vendors have initiated mitigation efforts, you'll need to complete the required claims forms. Rest assured, our Sutherland team will assist you every step of the way, ensuring all documentation is accurate and complete for a seamless claims process.

Step 5: Follow-Up and Restoration

Once the paperwork is submitted and the initial mitigation is completed, our team will continue to work closely with you and our preferred vendors to restore your home to its former glory. We pride ourselves on providing a smooth, efficient claims process to get your life back on track as quickly as possible.

Navigating a home insurance claim can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. With Sutherland Insurance by your side and the right steps taken before and after an event, you're in safe hands. 

Need to report a claim or have any claims related questions? Contact Sutherland Insurance at 519-822-0160.
Outside of business hours, call our 24 hour claims line at 1-800-263-1032.