Here is a fun fact to start things off: 65.9 percent of American homes are owned by their occupants. If you are one of these homeowners, you already know that life can throw unexpected surprises your way. 

From a burst pipe in the basement to a tree crashing through the roof, the unexpected often means scrambling to cover costs. 

Repairing a burst pipe will cost around $500 on average. Roof repairs can cost up to $8,000. There is just a lot of money that needs to be spent if you are a homeowner with such bad luck. 

Thankfully, that is where your homeowner’s insurance policy steps in, but only if you know how to navigate the process. 

What to Know Before You Submit a Claim to Insurance

Let us start at the beginning – before disaster strikes. 

You have probably spent a decent amount of time and money picking the best homeowners insurance coverage to protect your property. However, do you know exactly what your policy covers? 

According to Hippo, in general, home insurance usually covers damage to the home’s structure and personal property within it. However, such insurance policies vary widely, so take a moment to review yours. Whether it is fire damage, theft or a leaky roof, make sure you know what potential risks your policy accounts for.

It is a bit like knowing the fine print on a concert ticket. Sure, you have got a seat, but are you allowed to bring snacks? It helps to be clear on the details before you actually need them. Knowing your homeowner’s insurance covers a specific incident means you can move quickly when the time comes to submit a claim.

Now, the national average cost of home insurance in the US is $2,285 per year. This is strictly for a policy with a $300,000 dwelling limit. Punch in the numbers in a calculator and it evens out to about $190 per month.

How to Submit a Claim After an Incident

Now, let us fast-forward to the moment when something actually happens. Say you wake up to a flooded basement, and it is time to jump into action. 

First things first, do not panic. Most insurance companies have systems in place to handle situations just like this. You will want to notify your insurer right away. Contacting them quickly ensures that the process starts sooner, and they can advise you on the immediate steps to take.

Gathering the necessary documents is a crucial part of submitting an insurance claim. You will need your homeowner’s policy information, receipts for any damaged items and any photos or videos you can take of the damage. 

Providing detailed evidence can help support your claim and smooth out the process with the insurance company.

Essential Steps on Submitting a Claim to Insurance

Every insurance company has its way of handling claims, but the general process remains consistent. Here is how to navigate the waters:

Contact Your Insurance Company

You have spotted the damage; now it is time to alert your insurer. Calling or submitting a report online will initiate the claims process. 

They will assign an adjuster to evaluate the situation and, if needed, guide you on what to do next. Remember, the sooner you inform them, the faster you can move forward.

Meet the Adjuster

Your insurance company will send an adjuster to assess the damage. They will inspect your property and gather information about what happened. Do not worry; these folks are here to help. Be prepared to provide them with all the necessary documents you have collected.

Discuss Your Coverage Options

This is where knowing your homeowners insurance policy pays off. Be ready to discuss what your policy covers with the adjuster. You will want to know how the claim will affect your coverage and whether your payments or premiums might change.

Review and Settle the Claim

Once the adjuster has gathered all the information, your insurance company will offer a settlement. If you are satisfied, they will process the payment, and you can get back to repairing your home. 

If not, do not hesitate to negotiate. After all, it is your property, and you deserve a fair settlement.

Preparing for Future Claims: What Homeowners Should Keep in Mind

Sure, no one likes to think about future disasters, but being prepared is always smart.

When reviewing your homeowner’s insurance policies, make a habit of checking the coverage options regularly. Life changes, and so should your insurance. Maybe you have upgraded the kitchen, added a home office or turned your garage into a mini gym. Your homeowner’s insurance coverage should reflect these updates to ensure you are protected.

One trick is to treat your homeowner’s policy like a financial safety net. You would not want to realize there is a hole in it when you need it the most. Understanding what homeowners insurance covers and knowing how to submit a claim to insurance will keep you ahead of any potential risks.

Navigating the Insurance Coverage Process Without Stress

Insurance claims can sometimes feel like an uphill battle, but knowing how to submit a claim to insurance can make all the difference. The key is in the details – gathering the right documents, understanding the process and communicating effectively with your insurance company. 

This way, you will not feel lost when you are knee-deep in water or staring at a missing roof.

Stay organized and keep all your insurance documents in one place, whether it is a physical folder or a digital one. When the time comes to submit a claim, you will not be hunting for your homeowner’s policy in a panic. Trust us on this – your future self will thank you for the foresight.

How to Handle the Insurance Company During the Claims Process

If dealing with the insurance company feels intimidating, just remember they are not the enemy. Sure, they might have a business to run, but they are also there to help you through a tough situation. 

Approach the process calmly, ask questions, and get clarification if something is not clear. If at any point you feel overwhelmed, consider hiring a public adjuster. 

Also, do not forget – being honest and transparent is essential. The more straightforward and detailed you are about what happened, the easier it will be for the insurance company to process your claim.

Your Home, Your Peace of Mind

The bottom line? Submitting an insurance claim does not have to be an arduous process. Knowing how to submit a claim to insurance can help you navigate it with confidence. 

Keep your homeowners insurance policy updated, know exactly what your homeowners insurance covers and always be prepared to provide the necessary documents. Your home is one of your biggest investments, and having the right homeowners insurance coverage ensures you are protected when things go wrong.

Technological advancements and rising interest rates are driving a renewed focus on cash, according to Flagstone Group senior partnerships manager Alex Schlee.

During a video interview at Money Marketing Interactive London last month, Schlee said: “We can now manage cash much more easily through platforms that connect clients directly to banks, reducing the administrative burden.”

He said the other reason for the renewed interest in cash is the rise in interest rates. “The base rate is now 50 times what it was just a few years ago, and interest rates themselves have increased tenfold.”

Advisers, he added, will be vital in helping clients navigate the cash market.

“There are hundreds of banks and numerous types of products available, such as FSCS-protected accounts, notice accounts, and fixed-term deposits,” he said.

“This can be difficult for some clients to navigate. With all the changes in the market, it’s no surprise that cash management has become a more important conversation in the financial advice space.”

He said when he first started in cash management eight years ago, many advisers would say they couldn’t help clients with cash management because the rates were too low.

“By the time they got involved, the benefit would be negligible. So, clients were left to manage it themselves. But that’s changed,” he added.

“As rates have risen, advisers are now more involved and can add real value. We recently surveyed our adviser cohort, and the results show that cash is now a much more prominent part of their discussions with clients.”

He did, however, warn that there is still “work to be done” in terms of adopting technology and using cash deposit platforms to support clients.

Watch the full interview here

AS the festive season approaches, pensioners across the UK have a golden opportunity to boost their finances ahead of the big day.

With an array of direct payments and benefits available upon hitting the state pension age, households could pocket up to 15,872, offering much-needed financial relief.

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From cash boosts through attendance allowance to direct winter fuel payments, a wealth of support is available for those over the age of 66.

Plus, anyone claiming the state pension can benefit from various discounts and freebies, including a free TV licence and prescriptions.

While some of these payments are issued automatically, others require an application.

We’ve listed the 14 direct payments, freebies and discounts available to those claiming the state pension this winter.

1. ATTENDANCE ALLOWANCE – £4,727

Attendance allowance can help with extra costs incurred due to a severe disability that means you require regular assistance.

It’s paid at two different rates and how much you get depends on the level of care you need.

The lower rate is worth £72.65 a week, while the higher rate is paid out at £108.55 a week.

If you require frequent help or constant supervision during the day, or supervision at night, you can claim the lower amount.

Those who require supervision throughout the day and night will receive the higher rate.

There are 56 categories of medical conditions that enable you to make a claim, including heart disease, Parkinson’s disease and diabetes.

You are also entitled to claim if a medical professional has said you might have 12 months or less to live.

To apply online, visit gov.uk/attendance-allowance/how-to-claim.

2. PENSION CREDIT – £3,900

If your weekly income is below £218.15 and you’re single, or your joint income is below £332.95, you’re very likely to be eligible for Pension Credit.

This added benefit will top up a pensioner’s income to the level outlined above. It’s thought to be worth £75 a week on average, which adds up to £3,900 a year.

An estimated 760,000 people who are entitled to this cash, don’t claim it.

Not only are they missing on the extra money, but there is more support available if you claim pension credit.

Crucially, the winter fuel payment worth up to £300 and paid in November or December is now being restricted to pensioners claiming pension credit and other means-tested benefits.

If you claim pension credit, you can also get help with council tax, support with mortgage interest payments, and a free TV licence and housing benefit if you rent.

3. HOUSING BENEFIT – £3,700

Almost 270,000 pensioners are missing out on £1.1billion in pension age housing benefit, according to the new figures, going without £3,700 a year on average.

The benefit is for pensioners who pay rent, are on a low income and have savings under £16,000. 

New claims for housing benefit are strictly reserved for those over the state pension age.

Universal Credit‘s housing element has replaced housing benefit for those under 66 years old.

You can apply for housing benefit directly with your local council.

Find yours by visiting gov.uk/apply-housing-benefit-from-council.

You can also apply for housing benefit as part of a pension credit claim.

4. COUNCIL TAX DISCOUNT – £2,254

If you get the guarantee part of pension credit, you might be able to get your council tax completely cancelled out.

With the average Band D council tax in England this year at £2,171, it means a big saving.

If you don’t get pension credit but have a low income and less than £16,000 in savings, you may still get some help.

You need to contact your local council to start a claim.

5. WINTER FUEL PAYMENT – UP TO £300

The winter fuel payment is designed to help pensioners pay for their energy bills over the winter.

It’s worth £200 for eligible households, or £300 for eligible households with someone aged over 80.

To be eligible for this year’s winter fuel payment, you must have an active claim for the benefits mentioned below during the “qualifying week,” which runs from 16 to 22 September.

These include Universal Credit, employment and support allowance (ESA), jobseeker’s allowance (JSA), income support, tax credits  and pension credit.

Most households automatically receive the winter fuel payment, including those on pension credit.

As new claims for pension credit can be backdated by up to three months, you can still apply now and qualify for this year’s winter fuel payment.

The absolute deadline to claim the benefit and qualify is December 21.

The Sun has now launched a free tool to help you check whether you will get the winter fuel payment this year.

6. SOCIAL WATER TARIFF – £300

If you’re on a low income, you may be able to get a social tariff from your water provider.

These vary by company, some companies offer a percentage discount, while others offer a fixed rate.

For example, under South East Water’s Social Tariff scheme your annual bill will be capped at £182.82 (East) or £146.94 (West).

The average water bill is £448 a year, according to Water UK meaning in this case you could save more than £300.

7. SOCIAL BROADBAND TARIFF – £300

Most broadband companies have social tariffs, which are usually available to people who claim Pension Credit.

The amount you’ll save varies, though it can be worth hundreds of pounds as one woman previously revealed.

There’s a list of all the providers with social tariffs on telecoms regulator Ofcom’s website.

8. FREE TV LICENCE – £169.50

If you’re over 75 and get Pension Credit, you can get a free TV licence. which costs £169.50 a year.

You also get the benefit if you live with a partner who gets Pension Credit.

Apply for a free licence online or by phoning TV licensing on 0300 790 6071.

9. WARM HOME DISCOUNT – £150

Half of people entitled to the Warm Home Discount are not claiming, meaning up to 2.5million are missing out on £150 a year.

This is largely due to eligible people not claiming pension credit as the “gateway” benefit.

The support is a one-off deduction off your electricity bill made between October and March each year.

The money isn’t paid to you, but is applied as credit on your bill.

It’s automatic in the vast majority of cases, but due to the way the scheme operates, certain households have to apply for the rebate.

10. HOUSEHOLD SUPPORT FUND – £100s

Struggling households can get help with the cost of living via the Household Support Fund (HSF).

The fund has been extended for the sixth time, with £421million set to be made available to regional councils to distribute.

The support you can access depends on where you live, but funds can be paid out through shopping or fuel vouchers, cash payments, or other means.

For example, households in Reading who are no longer eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment but in receipt of council tax reduction and/or housing benefit are to be sent a voucher worth £200.

Meanwhile struggling residents and families who live in Torridge can apply for free cash grants directly to bank accounts worth £100s.

These grants can be used to help households with their energy and water bills.

Others may be eligible for cash vouchers to be spent on food at their local supermarket.

Check with your local council to find out what you could be entitled to.

11. COLD WEATHER PAYMENTS – £25

In addition to the Winter Fuel payment, people on Pension Credit are also eligible for cold weather payments. 

These ad-hoc payments are worth £25 every time the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, 0 degrees Celsius or below over seven consecutive days.

12. FREE DENTAL TREATMENT – £26.80

You’re entitled to free dental treatment if you or your spouse receives the Guarantee Element of Pension Credit. 

The exact amount you can save depends on whether you need extra work. At the minimum, you’ll save the cost of a check-ups which is £26.80 on the NHS.

Crowns cost as much as £319.10, meaning that you can make big savings if you need extra work.

13. DWP CHRISTMAS BONUS – £10

Every year the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) gives people a bit of extra cash.

Eligible households will get a £10 Christmas bonus this year.

Although it may seem like a small amount, every little helps over the costly holiday season.

As the £10 is a bonus, it won’t need to be repaid, and it won’t affect any other benefit you receive.

The payment is usually paid in the first full week of December.

You’ll qualify if you get the state pension, pension credit and other means-tested benefits.

The £10 Christmas bonus is paid automatically so you don’t need to claim it.

You’ll get it paid into the same account where you normally receive your benefit payments and it should show up in your statement as “DWP XB” or something similar.

14. FREE PRESCRIPTIONS – £9.90

Once you reach 60, you can get free prescriptions from your local pharmacy – prescriptions usually cost £9.90 each in England.

So if you usually buy a single prescription each month you could save £118.80 over the year.

This benefit is automatic and there’s no need to apply.

If you’re 60 or over you’re also entitled to a free NHS sight test, so you should let your optician know when you reach 60 if you haven’t already. 

Eye tests can usually cost between £20 and £30.

FE fundinfo has acquired Netherlands-based Matterhorn Reporting Services, a specialist provider of Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (AIFMD) software reporting and managed services.

It said the acquisition will help asset managers and service providers meet increasingly complex requirements while reducing operational burdens and costs.

FE fundinfo also believes the regulatory landscape has become progressively complex due to changes in compliance obligations and growing demands for transparency.

According to FE fundinfo’s 2024 Asset Manager report, 41% see regulatory changes as a threat over the next three years.

The AIFMD requires asset managers to conduct an extensive data collection process to complete 41 complex questions within the 30-day reporting period.

This can leading to significant pressure to deliver within this timeframe.

Matterhorn Reporting Services has an “easy-to-use” template which simplifies intricate calculations, and its services enhance operational efficiency by feeding back information on errors or easily interpreting regulator feedback.

This, it claims, results in clients experiencing a 50% reduction in reporting times.

This acquisition means FE fundinfo’s clients will benefit from “improved efficiency, reduced operational costs and enhanced compliance accuracy”, consolidating all reporting needs in one place and having access to solutions beyond the Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities (UCITS) space.

FE fundinfo CEO Liam Healy said: “We are continuously exploring solutions that enhance the operational efficiency and increase value for our clients.

“Integrating Matterhorn’s innovative offerings is the latest step in continuing to be the go-to partner for the investment management community in regulatory reporting.

“Our clients, and the industry, require holistic, end-to-end reporting solutions that meet the evolving demands of the industry and help firms adapt to growing regulatory complexity. We look forward to helping them continue to meet this challenge.”

Matterhorn CEO Jeroen Cremer added: “At Matterhorn, we have always been committed to empowering asset managers with tools that simplify and improve regulatory reporting processes.

“By integrating our AIFMD reporting expertise with FE fundinfo’s comprehensive platform, we are confident we can help asset managers navigate the increasingly intricate regulatory landscape with confidence and ease.”