What to Do When You Need to Move After an Insurance Claim

Handling an insurance claim is never easy, especially when it requires you to leave your home. Whether the damage comes from an unexpected spring flood, fire, or severe storm, managing the insurance claims process while preparing for a move can feel overwhelming. However, with thoughtful planning and the right support, you can navigate this challenging time more effectively. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key steps to take after filing an insurance claim, offer practical tips for organizing your move, and show how professional moving and storage services can provide the help you need.

The Insurance Claims Process: What You Need to Know

The insurance claims process can be overwhelming but knowing what to expect can help you stay organized. By understanding the steps involved, you’ll be better prepared to handle everything with confidence.

Step 1: Assessing the Damage

When your home is damaged, the first step is to assess the situation carefully. Safety should always be your top priority–if necessary, evacuate the area, especially in cases of fire, flooding, or structural damage. Once everyone is safe, take clear photos and videos of the damage, and make a list of all affected items, including furniture, appliances, and personal belongings. Don’t forget to keep track of any costs related to emergency repairs or temporary housing. This documentation will be essential when working with your insurance provider.

Step 2: Filing the Claim

After assessing the damage and gathering notes, photos and videos, contact your insurance company. Many providers have 24/7 hotlines for urgent claims, so you can contact them anytime. When you call, make sure to provide key details, like the date, time, and type of damage. Be sure to share any necessary documentation, such as photos, videos, and receipts. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about your policy to make sure you fully understand what’s covered.

Step 3: Working with an Adjuster

Once you file your claim, an insurance adjuster will come to your property to assess the damage and determine the cost of repairs or replacements. It’s a good idea to be there when they visit so you can answer any questions and provide extra details if needed.

What Happens When You Withdraw an Insurance Claim?

If the cost of repairs is close to your deductible, you may wonder, “What happens when you withdraw an insurance claim?” Before making a decision, it’s important to understand that withdrawing a claim can affect your future premiums. The insurance claim stays on your record for seven years, which could impact your risk profile and potentially raise your rates. While most insurers don’t charge a fee for withdrawing a claim, some may charge an administrative fee. Be sure to carefully consider the pros and cons with your insurance provider before deciding to withdraw your claim.

Finding Temporary Housing After a Claim

Finding a temporary place to live is a top priority when your home becomes uninhabitable. Whether you need somewhere to stay for a few weeks or several months, the type of housing you choose can have a big impact on your comfort and stability during this period.

Options for Temporary Housing

• Short-Term Rentals: Fully furnished rentals are great for families who need a home-like environment while their repairs are being done. These rentals allow you to maintain some normalcy with access to a kitchen and other essential amenities.
• Hotels & Motels: Hotels and motels can be a good option for short-term stays, especially if your time away is brief. Many hotels also offer discounted rates for extended stays.    
• Staying with Loved Ones: Staying with family or friends can help save money, but it might not provide enough space, especially if your stay extends for several weeks. You may start to feel cramped, and the lack of privacy could become an issue.

Location is an important factor when choosing temporary housing. Being close to work, schools and other essential services can make life much easier during this time. Many insurance policies also cover temporary housing costs under Additional Living Expenses (ALE). Be sure to work with your insurance provider to ensure your expenses stay within the limits of your policy.

How Niagara Movers and Storage Services Can Simplify Your Move

When you need to move after an insurance claim, professional movers and storage services are invaluable. They help simplify the process and take away much of the stress involved in packing and moving your belongings.

Why Choose Professional Niagara Movers?

At Bird’s Moving & Storage, we have over 90 years of experience supporting families through challenging situations like this. As one of the trusted moving companies in the area, we handle everything from packing to transportation, ensuring every step of your move is managed with utmost care. We understand that your belongings are more than just things–they hold sentimental value. That’s why we take extra care to protect them. Whether you’re moving into temporary housing or back into a repaired home, we can adjust our services to fit your needs and timeline.

The Value of Secure Storage Services in St. Catharines

If your temporary accommodation doesn’t have enough space for all your belongings, consider using a secure storage facility. Our storage services in St. Catharines offer a safe and convenient solution. With 15,600 square feet of space, we provide top-tier security with 24-hour monitoring. Household items are stored in enclosed pallets, while furniture is carefully padded with quilted blankets and placed into assigned pallets. We also complete an inventory of your items when they arrive at our warehouse. Interested in learning more about our storage services in St. Catharines? Contact us today.

4 Tips for Moving After an Insurance Claim

1. Start Early and Create a Detailed Plan

Once your claim is approved and you have a timeline for repairs, start planning your move. Waiting until the last minute can cause additional stress and lead to hasty decisions. Begin by making a schedule of important tasks, like booking moving and storage services, packing essential items for temporary housing, and discussing moving-related expenses with your insurance provider.

2. Don’t Forget an Essentials Box

When moving into temporary housing, pack a separate box with everyday essentials, such as:

• Important documents (insurance policies, IDs, medical records).
• Medications and toiletries.
• A week’s worth of clothing for each family member.
• Chargers and small electronics.

3. Prioritize Communication & Budget for Unexpected Costs

Keep everyone informed at all times, including your insurance company, moving company, and temporary housing provider. Clear communication ensures everything runs smoothly and helps avoid surprises. It’s also important to plan for unexpected costs. While your insurance may cover most expenses, it’s a good idea to set aside extra money for things like additional moving services or extended stays in temporary housing.

4. Leverage Professional Services

Professional movers and packers from trusted moving companies have the experience needed to handle your belongings with care. This not only saves you time and effort but also reduces the risk of damage during the move. After already dealing with the loss from the initial claim, the last thing you want is more damage to your personal items.

Understanding Weather-Related Insurance Claims

Natural disasters like flooding are some of the top causes of home insurance claims. However, not all insurance policies automatically cover weather-related damages. According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, flood coverage is usually an add-on to the standard homeowners’ policy. If you live in an area prone to flooding, it’s a good idea to review your policy to make sure you have the right protection. Taking proactive steps can also help reduce the risk of damage during severe weather. Installing flood barriers and sump pumps in your basement, along with keeping gutters and downspouts clear of debris, will allow water to flow freely and help minimize the risk of water damage.

The Emotional Side of Moving After a Claim

Dealing with an insurance claim and moving can be emotionally taxing. While moving often symbolizes a fresh start, it can also trigger feelings of loss and uncertainty. Keep in mind that these changes are temporary, and your home will be restored. In the meantime, don’t hesitate to reach out for support–whether it’s talking to friends, family, or a counsellor. Additionally, working with experienced moving companies can help reduce the stress of the physical move, allowing you to focus on what truly matters during this challenging time.

Moving Forward with Confidence

Moving after an insurance claim can be stressful, but it also offers an opportunity to start fresh. By understanding the insurance claims process, planning ahead, and working with trusted Niagara movers, you can make the situation more manageable. At Bird’s Moving & Storage, we understand the challenges of juggling a move with an insurance claim, and we’re here to help. Our team of Niagara Movers provides reliable, personalized support every step of the way, whether you need full-service packing and moving solutions or secure storage in St. Catharines. Let us handle the details so you can focus on what matters–rebuilding your home and getting back on track. Contact us today to find out how we assist you during this challenging time.