What should a policyholder do if they experience a loss covered by their insurance?

A policyholder should immediately report the loss to their insurance company and document the damage because prompt notification is essential for the effective handling of the claim. Insurance policies generally require policyholders to notify the insurer as soon as possible after a loss occurs. This ensures that the insurance company can begin the claims process, which includes investigating the loss and determining the coverage provided.

Documenting the damage—such as taking photos, making lists of lost or damaged property, and keeping receipts for repairs—helps substantiate the claim and speeds up the settlement process. This thorough approach can lead to a more favorable resolution, enabling the policyholder to receive compensation timely and efficiently.

The other options do not effectively prioritize the actions a policyholder should take immediately following a loss. Waiting for an adjuster means delaying the reporting, communicating only with an agent can limit the information relayed to the insurer, and filing a police report, while important in certain situations, is not a universal requirement for all types of insurance claims. Thus, immediate action combined with thorough documentation is the best practice for policyholders in these situations.