Please Click the area you would like more information about:
1. If you have damage
- The safety of you and your family is top priority. If your policy has additional living expense coverage and the home is unlivable due to a covered loss, there is coverage for reasonable increases in living expenses. There are some conditions and limitations, so please notify you adjuster immediately if you believe you are in need of this coverage.
- Call your agent or FMT at 1-800-824-9555, or click here to file a claim.
- Discuss the next step with your adjuster. Depending on the type of loss, an adjuster will call to set up an inspection time or let you know what the next step is.
- Go over the settlement with your adjuster. Depending on the type of loss, an adjuster will follow up with you after the inspection report is complete or after all requested information has been received.
If you have fire damage
Again, your family’s safety is top priority. If you believe you may have to stay somewhere else during the inspection and repairs, please contact your agent or FMT immediately. They will get contact information as well as information on where you will be staying and advise you as to whether your policy provides additional living expenses coverage. Keep receipt from any costs incurred (housing, food, temporary repairs, etc.).
Do not disturb the scene until you are approved to do so by your FMT adjuster. We will need to do our inspection before anything is touched.
If you have water damage
Take whatever reasonable steps possible to get the water cleaned up. Take photos of all damage before any work is done. If it appears to be necessary, contact a water removal and restoration company and keep a copy of their estimate to provide to your FMT adjuster. An adjuster will set up an inspection to determine the cause of loss and whether or not the loss is covered under your FMT policy.
If you have wind or hail damage
Take the steps needed to prevent further damage. This includes tarping roofs and covering broken windows. This is a step to prevent further loss required by your FMT policy. If there are any costs incurred, save the receipts and turn them into your adjuster as part of the claim.
- Check siding, screens, awnings, gutters, and downspouts for damage.
- Do not allow anyone other than your repair company and your adjuster up on the roof. Every time someone walks on it, more damage can occur.
- See below for advice on selecting a contractor
If you have damaged or stolen property
If you had damaged or stolen personal property, start preparing a room-by-room inventory. We will be sending forms for you to list the description, manufacturer, model, purchase date and location, and purchase price. We will be asking for any invoices, photos, receipts, or other information that may be available to determine the value of lost or stolen damage. We understand that this is not an easy task, especially when your property has just sustained damage. However, the more information you can provide, the smoother the claims process goes. If you have any questions in this process, contact your FMT adjuster.
If you had a theft or vandalism - Please immediately report the incident to the police. It is required by your policy. You do not need to wait for the police report to be completed before you file a claim, but you do need to have reported the incident.
Please take photos of any damage to your property and provide to your FMT adjuster.
If your home loses electricity
Contact your utilities company and/or an electrician immediately and take whatever steps necessary to get power back to your property. Take photos of all damaged property before any repairs are made. This is a step to prevent further loss required by your FMT policy.
If you have flood damage
FMT policies do not provide coverage for flood damage. Coverage for flood damage is offered through the National Flood Insurance Program. Please speak with your FMT agent for more information.
If someone is injured on your property
Seek medical attention immediately. Only administer first aid if qualified. Secure appropriate information on the injured party such as name, address, and phone number. Write down a thorough description of the events that led up to the injury while they are fresh on your mind. Take photos of anything relevant, especially the location that the injury occurred.
If a tree falls on your property
Call your agent or FMT at 1-800-824-9555. They will advise you as to whether or not we need to set up a claim depending on the extent of the damage and the amount of your deductible. Most policies offer some coverage for tree removal if the tree lands on covered property, although limits and deductibles apply. Contact your agent or FMT for more information.
In most cases, it is easier for adjusters to inspect after the tree has been removed. When you speak with your adjuster to go over what coverages are available for tree removal, they will suggest that you immediately contact a tree removal company to get the tree off before an adjuster comes to inspect any damages. See the section on selecting a contractor for some tips on selecting a tree removal company.
If the tree was originally on your neighbor’s property, you probably still need to file a claim with us. The tree’s owner is only liable if the tree was dead at the time of loss.
2. The Claims Process
What if my home is not safe?
The safety of you and your family is top priority. If your policy has additional living expense coverage and the home is unlivable due to a covered loss, there is coverage for reasonable increases in living expenses. There are some conditions and limitations, so please notify you adjuster immediately if you believe you are in need of this coverage.
Will my claim be covered?
There are a number of things to consider when determining whether or not damage is covered. These things include the type of FMT policy you have, the cause of loss, and other circumstances regarding the claim. If you have specific coverage questions, please contact your agent or our helpful claims staff at 1-800-824-9555
Should I wait to file my claim if I do not have all of the information together yet?
No. If you know that you will need to file a claim, please contact FMT as soon as possible. They will get the process started with the information that you have and instruct you on what to do when more information is available.
Should I hire a public adjuster?
Depending on the size of your loss, a public adjuster may reach out to you. They are independent adjusters who charge fees for their services based on the size of the settlement. There is no coverage for their fees on your FMT policy. We’re confident in our claims staff’s ability to thoroughly inspect and fairly settle your claim, leaving no need for you to hire a public adjuster, but the decision is ultimately yours to make.
Is there anything I can do right now to start the claims process?
If you had damaged or stolen personal property, start preparing a room-by-room inventory. We will send forms for you to list the description, manufacturer, model, purchase date and location, and purchase price. We will be asking for any invoices, photos, receipts, or other information that may be available to determine the value of lost or stolen damage.
Can I start repairs now?
We understand that you want to get the damage repaired as soon as possible, but we need to be able to inspect the damage before repairs are started. You do need to take steps to prevent further damage, such as tarping roofs or covering broken windows. If possible, please hold off on making repairs until after the inspection is complete. If you do have to remove, repair, or replace anything, please take photos for the adjuster.
How can I monitor my claim status?
Please do not hesitate to contact your adjuster if you have any questions regarding the status of your claim. They will also be in touch with you if they have any questions or updates that you need to know.
3. After the Inspection
Why does my estimate show depreciation when I have replacement cost coverage?
If your policy provides replacement cost, we pay the actual amount that it takes to repair or replace the damaged or stolen covered property, minus your deductible. The first payment made will be for the value of the property at the time of loss, factoring in any depreciation that may have occurred. Then, after the property has been repaired or replaced, we will make a second payment for the amount of depreciation that was initially applied.
If you have any questions about this, please contact your agent or FMT adjuster.
What if I disagree with FMT’s estimate?
Our estimates are prepared with software that uses prices for materials and labor in your area. If your contractor’s estimate is higher than FMT’s, please send a copy of it to your adjuster. They will review it and reach out to your contractor to discuss any difference and see if any adjustments are needed.
If you are concerned over the amount of your estimate for any other reason, please contact your adjuster. We understand that there may be differing opinions on the work that is required and we want to make sure you receive a fair settlement.
What if we find additional damaged or stolen items later?
Immediately contact your FMT adjuster to let them know. Depending on the type of loss, we will send out new forms or schedule another inspection to see if supplemental payments are needed.
How does my deductible work?
Nearly all claims are subject to a deductible. The deductible is applied to the amount of the total covered loss before we make payment. In most cases, you will pay the amount to your contractor.
Why does my claims check have my mortgagee listed on it? Can they be removed?
If a mortgage company has an insurable interest in your damaged or stolen property, we are required to include them on the payment check. You will need to contact them to see what their procedure is for getting the check endorsed.
4. Selecting a Contractor
Can I start repairs now?
We understand that you want to get the damage repaired as soon as possible, but we need to be able to inspect the damage before repairs are started. You do need to take steps to prevent further damage, such as tarping roofs or covering broken windows, but, if possible, please hold off on making repairs until after the inspection is complete. If you do have to remove, repair, or replace anything, please take photos for the adjuster.
Can I choose who will do repairs to my property?
Yes, FMT does not recommend or guarantee the work of any contractors. It is up to you to find the person to do repairs to your damaged property. We do have a few tips to help you in the process:
- Avoid out-of-town roofers, or roofers that drive around knocking on people’s doors. Most companies are reliable, but some have taken money and left town without doing repairs or paying suppliers
- Ask friends or family for recommendations
- Stick with local contractors that have been in the area for several years
- Make sure they are licensed and bonded and their license is active in Tennessee
- Get multiple estimates from different contractors in the area
- Get references from perspective contractors
- Check reviews and the Better Business Bureau
- Search online using sites like angieslist.com or homeadvisor.com
- Get a written guarantee
- Read any contract thoroughly before signing