Filing An Insurance Claim

Everything seemed pretty simple when you purchased that insurance policy. If you have a loss, just tell the insurance company about it and you will get paid - Right? Well.... it may not be quite that easy. There are some basic steps you should follow to make sure your insurance claim is paid quickly and fully.

Prepare - in advance. The single most important thing that will make your life easier in the event of a loss is to be well prepared in advance. Do you have offsite copies of your computer files? What about paper files? If this is some kind of property loss, you will need to document the value. If you have to try to reconstruct records that were destroyed, it will delay your insurance payment and make it much harder for you to prove the value of your loss.

Estimate your loss. While it may not be possible to know the full extent of the loss, develop an estimate. If it is close to or below your deductible, you are probably better off not filing the insurance claim. Your rates will be based in part on your claims history so there is no advantage to you in filing a claim you will end up paying for out of your own pocket. Be careful, however, as most insurance policies require you to report a loss within a certain timeframe, usually 2 - 4 weeks.

Call your agent. Many insurance companies ask that you report your claim directly to the claims department. This is more efficient for them but not necessarily better for you. Your insurance agent may represent the company but his income depends on keeping his customers happy. Independent agents, in particular, are small business owners and owe their primary loyalty to their business. If you're a small business owner, your insurance agent understands that his business depends on keeping his customers happy.

Keep in touch with the adjuster. Ultimately the insurance company will assign an adjuster to work with you to estimate and pay the loss. Work closely with the adjuster and respond quickly and completely to his requests for information. The easier you make his job, the quicker you will get paid.

Consider an independent adjuster. If your loss is large and complex, it may pay you to hire an independent adjuster to work on your behalf. If you do decide to take this step, make sure you hire an adjuster who has experience with your type of business loss.

Lana Hampton makes it easy to find the insurance that's right for your needs. Visit her Insurance website today for the latest news and information.

---

What is Pet Health Insurance?

Pet Health Insurance can give you the peace of mind... Read More

Alternate Risk Transfer (ART) - Insurance Strategies

Risk ManagementAlternate Risk Transfer is a fancy way of saying... Read More

Compare Car Insurance Companies Before You Commit

If you want to save money on your car insurance,... Read More

Talking to Your Parents About Insurance

Who can you talk to about auto insurance? Insurance agents... Read More

What is Car Insurance?

Car Insurance is compulsory in the UK. You are required... Read More

An Introduction to UK Home Insurance

Unlike motor cover, home insurance is not a legal requirement... Read More

Japanese Overseas Travel Insurance

If you are an expatriate planning on long-term residence in... Read More

Converting An Unwanted Life Insurance Policy Into Ca$h

Do You Own A Life Insurance Policy That You No... Read More

Affordable Health Insurance - Health Insurance For The Self Employed

One of the things that is important to consider when... Read More

5 Strategies To Reduce Your Car Insurance Premiums

Your latest car insurance bill has arrived and it is... Read More

What Is Health Insurance?

What is health insurance and why do I need it?... Read More

What Is Meant By Automobile Insurance Standard Coverage?

Automobile insurance standard coverage is the basic amount of insurance... Read More

Why Bother With Farmers Auto Insurance?

Farmers auto insurance is a very large insurance company that... Read More

What Type of Doctor Should I See Under My HSA?

You can withdraw money from your Health Savings Account (HSA)... Read More

Credit Card Insurance

A word of warning about Credit card repayment protection schemesThe... Read More

Life Insurance Fears Post the London Bombings Tragedy

Following on from the tube train and bus bomb attacks... Read More

Why Dont Insurance Companies Reward Us for Being Healthy?

Insurance is always a gamble, a bet actually.You are betting... Read More

The Ups and Downs of Temporary Health Insurance

If you're a recent college graduate, or in between jobs,... Read More

Health Savings Accounts (HSA): Do They Vary From State to State?

The Health Savings Account (HSA) is an amazing tool that... Read More

Discount Life Insurance Will Give You The Best Protection You Need

There is always a chance that there is a better... Read More

Tips For Lowering Your Auto Insurance Quote

Do you have many claims? If so, you should do... Read More

Underinsurance Can Spell Disaster For Homeowners

Insurance is meant to give homeowners peace of mind, but... Read More

Cheap Term Life Insurance is Available Everywhere

Cheap term life insurance is easier to get than most... Read More

Outside Pressures On The Typical Insurance Adjuster

Insurance adjusters are not without outside pressures they must deal... Read More

Filing Auto Insurance Claims: The Basic Steps to Take

An automobile accident can be a terrifying event for anyone,... Read More

How Does Credit History Affect Car Insurance Rates?

Many personal car insurance companies consider your credit information when... Read More

Free Money Saving Auto Insurance Tips

Our money saving auto insurance tips were written for one... Read More

Home Insurance Terms

Home insurance, or even homeowners insurance, is an insurance policy... Read More

Self Employed Health Insurance - Tips For Getting Cheap Health Insurance When Youre Self Employed

If you're self-employed and facing high health insurance bills, there... Read More

Home Insurance Rates in Northern Ireland

A recent survey took the most popular type of home... Read More

Consumer Directed Health Plans

Most of you have heard about "consumer directed health plans".... Read More

Facts About Renters Insurance

If you rent an apartment or house, you might consider... Read More

Life Insurance Careers

Do you like to spend all day being sitting around?... Read More