General information; it does not replace the policy, legal advice, or professional safety instructions.
Start with the complete policy
A property policy is a contract. Gather the declarations, the main coverage form, every endorsement, and any renewal or change notices. Reading only the declarations page does not show all coverage terms, exclusions, or duties.
Declarations
The declarations generally identify the named insured, insured location, policy period, coverage limits, deductibles, and forms attached to the policy. Check that the names, address, and listed forms match your records.
Coverage, exclusions, and endorsements
Coverage sections describe property, causes of loss, and expenses the policy may insure. Exclusions and limitations describe circumstances or losses the policy may not cover. Endorsements can add, remove, or change language in the main form, so they must be read together.
Deductibles, limits, and valuation
A deductible is the amount or percentage applied to a covered loss under the policy terms. Limits and sublimits cap certain coverage. Valuation provisions may use replacement cost, actual cash value, or another method and may require completed repairs or supporting records before additional amounts are considered.
Duties after loss
Policies commonly contain duties related to notice, protection from additional damage, inventories, records, inspections, cooperation, and requested statements or forms. The wording of the actual policy controls; a general checklist cannot replace it.
Questions worth asking
- Which form or endorsement contains the language being applied?
- Which deductible, limit, sublimit, or valuation method applies to this part of the claim?
- What documents or actions are still being requested, and where is that requirement stated?
- Which parts of a coverage or payment decision are undisputed, and which need more information?
When the language is unclear
A licensed public adjuster can help a policyholder prepare and present a claim. Legal interpretation belongs to a qualified attorney, and technical questions should be addressed by the appropriate licensed or qualified professional.
