Property loss or damage can be overwhelming for the owners and recovering from the shock can be time-consuming. But in these situations, one must think clearly and start the reconciliation process immediately. The first step would be to contact the insurance company that has insured the property against unforeseen damages. The insurance company will then start evaluating the damages and initiate the process of reimbursement by hiring an insurance surveyor.
The insurance surveyor is a qualified professional hired by the insurance company to assess the damages. They evaluate the cause of damages impartially and present a report with estimated repair or replacement costs.
Let us understand the step-by-step process of the surveyor’s evaluation process.
- Scheduling an inspection
The insurance company hires a surveyor once the insurance claim is filed. Be prepared with all the information about the cause of the damage. Do not disturb the damaged area and do not allow anyone to enter the area till the evaluation is completed. You must be prepared to answer all the questions that the surveyor may have.
- Inspection
The surveyor will conduct a thorough visual and physical examination. They may take photos and videos for documentation and reporting. The surveyor will ask questions about the incident and the condition of the property before the damage occurred. Be prepared with all the important documents like police reports, weather reports, and repair receipts if any.
- Assessment
The surveyor will assess the damages by understanding the cause and its extent. To understand this, they may do a thorough inspection of the physical damages to the structural components, electrical fixtures, and plumbing. Make sure the premises are safe for inspection and assessment. If not, make sure the surveyor knows about any risks in the property premises before the evaluation.
- Calculation and estimation of the repair costs
The surveyor will use the collected information to calculate the repairs and replacements and the costs therein. They will consider the material and labor costs required to restore the property to the pre-damaged condition. Do not hesitate to ask any doubts or questions you may have during the evaluation process.
- Report
Following the inspection and the assessments, the surveyor will prepare a detailed report covering all the information of their inspection. It will cover the following points in detail:
- Details of the damages caused.
- Cause of the damages.
- Photos and videos to support the findings.
- An estimation of the costs for repairs and replacement.
- Recommendations for repairs and replacement.
- Communication and Settlement.
The prepared report will be submitted to the insurance company. The insurance providers will use the report to determine the amount for claim settlement. The report and settlement details will be shared with you before the final settlement. Ask all the questions and doubts you have before the final settlement as you may not get a chance to do so later.
It is important to be honest and transparent with the surveyor to avoid any delays or rejections. The surveyor will try their best to file an unbiased report if honest and accurate information is provided.
