Insurance policies give a certain kind of peace of mind, knowing that there is something you can turn to in case of emergencies that require financial assistance. If the time comes that you find yourself needing to claim your insurance—may it be a car, home, or travel insurance—make sure to do it as soon as you can. However, before you call your insurance broker or provider, see to it that you’ve already read and understood the terms and conditions of your policy. Make sure that you also file your claim within the time limits specified in your policy. You should even know which kind of claims can be reported and which forms need to be completed. These will help you get through the process with little to no issues.
Before You Get Started
Aside from reading and understanding the terms and conditions of your insurance policy, make sure you do the following:
- If your claim is related to an accident or incident that has already been reported to the authorities, secure a copy of the police report.
- Keep all receipts, certificates, and reports related to your claim.
- Take photos of the car and home damage.
- Keep an updated inventory of everything in your home.
- Do your due diligence.
The Role of Loss Adjusters
When the insurance company receives your claim, it will designate a loss adjuster to your claim. The loss adjuster will pay you a visit to personally assess the truth and validity of your claim. Essentially, the service and expertise of loss adjusters are enlisted to investigate on the insurance provider’s behalf.
You can also choose to hire a loss adjuster to represent you for a fee, who will instead work on your behalf. He or she will ask you some questions and perform their investigation. Then, they will create a report that they will send to the insurer. This report usually indicates a settlement figure.
If the insurer offers you a claim amount that does not meet your expectations, don’t hesitate to write back to explain why you’re not satisfied with the amount. Your hired loss adjuster can also negotiate on your behalf.
Home and Building Insurance
Remember that an insurance policy is not a home or building maintenance contract. Typically, if you have such coverage, you are required to keep the home or building well-maintained to avoid damage as much as possible.
If your unkempt home or building gets damaged, the insurance provider might decline your claim.
Home Contents Policy
If you’re claiming because of a recent theft, you should report the incident to the police. This is because if you’re unable to secure a police report regarding the robbery or burglary, your insurance provider may not deem your claim valid. If your policy has a new-for-old coverage and you bought a replacement for the item stolen or vandalized, keep the receipt.
Car Insurance
Getting a car insurance policy is a requirement for anyone who owns a car. Comprehensive car insurance covers damage incurred either by you or another driver. This type of insurance also covers theft, damage to property, and natural calamities.
Accidents and thefts usually require to be backed by a police report for the claim to be deemed valid.
If you’re looking to learn more about how you can claim compensation, Consumer Reclaimers is your best option. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help you.