How to Make a Home Insurance Claim

You may need to make a home insurance claim if there has been damage to your home or if there has been a loss or damage to the items in your home. Damage and loss to your home and personal items can occur due to a variety of reasons, including but not limited to fire, water, wind, sewage backup, or burglary.

Regardless of the reason for the damage or loss, remember that safety comes first. This means that you should not enter or remain in your home if there is a fire, overflow of water near an electrical source, or if the stability of your roof is in question due to unfavourable weather conditions. You also should not enter your home if upon arrival, you find that your home has been broken into. Call 911 and always make sure you are in a safe place while you wait for the police, fire department, and ambulance to arrive.

If you are able to safely prevent further damage from occurring, do what you reasonably can to protect your property. Take steps to keep undamaged items safe by turning off electrical and water sources to prevent further damage. However, this should only be done if it can be executed safely.

1. Report the Incident

   Once the incident has been discovered, contact us and we will guide you the rest of the way.

   • Report the incident by contacting us and explaining what happened. Make sure you have your policy number and police report handy, if you made a police report.
   • Make a detailed inventory, describing the damages and loss to your home, property, and personal belongings. If your home was broken into, make a detailed list that describes the stolen property and damages to your home. Take pictures or videos, if possible, which capture the damage.
     •  If you make any important purchases, make sure to keep all receipts .
     •  Note : Do not dispose of any damaged personal property without notifying us first.
2. Work with a TD Insurance Claims Advisor
   • A TD Insurance Claims Advisor will be assigned to you as soon as possible during business hours (Monday through Friday 8am to 8pm; Saturday 9am to 4pm).
   • You can expect to be contacted by your assigned Claims Advisor within 48 hours (excluding weekends and holidays).
   • The Claims Advisor will work with you to confirm the details of your loss, and if necessary, arrange for emergency repairs and temporary accommodation.
     • Keep in mind that the source of the damage may have to be inspected in order to confirm that you purchased coverage for the specific loss.
   • Provide all applicable documentation such as proof of ownership and original purchase receipts to support your claim. You may be required to complete a Schedule of Loss.
   • Depending on the type of damage, your TD Insurance Claims Advisor may engage experts to help evaluate the extent of the damage and the cost of repair.
3. Repairs and Claim Closure
   • Damage estimation and repair approach will be determined next. You can choose to have home repairs completed by a contractor of your choice. For your convenience, TD Insurance also offers a network of preferred vendors to help you.
   • Finally, repairs and reconstruction will begin. Once repairs are completed, your claim will be closed thereafter.
       How will my claim be paid to me?
   • If you choose to use one of our preferred vendors to repair the damage, we will make a payment to them directly.
   • Otherwise, we can pay the funds to you by electronic funds transfer, or if necessary, by cheque. Typically, we will pay you the actual cash (i.e. depreciated) value for any damaged belongings upfront. If you are entitled to replacement cost, we will pay the difference when you provide proof of purchase.
   • If you have a loan on your vehicle or your home (mortgage, home equity line of credit, etc.), we may need to include the loan company in the payment. Your Claims Advisor will review these requirements with you if this situation is applicable.
       How does my deductible factor in to my claim?
   • Keep in mind that your deductible is the portion of the claim that you pay. For example, if your insured damages will cost $6000 to repair and your deductible is $1000, your insurance company will be $5000. Your Claims Advisor will review how the deductible affects your claim payment. From a settlement perspective, the deductible will be applied to the total amount of the loss.
       Will this impact my premiums?
   • Keep in mind that there are many factors which can impact your premiums, including, but not limited to, your claims history. Any impact of a claim on your premium will not come into effect until your next renewal. You will receive your renewal documents well in advance of your renewal date, so you will have time to review your options with our Client Services Department. Generally, you can expect a residential claim to impact your (renewal) premium.