How To Make Your Insurance Claim Easier

When an accident or disaster occurs, all what you want is to be able to resolve your insurance claim quickly and without complications. Communicating effectively with insurance company and understanding the steps of the claims process are key to your success in protecting your interests. Reimbursement always depends on following the rules.

Here are some useful tips on that matter:

It is not always wise to buy the cheapest insurance policy you can find. If you are shopping around, always compare insurance service, how each company measures up to the industry average, find out information about its reputation in claims satisfaction as well as price. Fully informed consumers make better purchasing decisions.

Make sure that your insurance coverage meets your needs and know how it applies to your policy. Always ask questions or detailed explanation if you are not sure what limits are or if you don't understtand some terms.

If in car accident, never voluntarily assume liability or take responsibility at the scene of the accident. At that time just focus on other details and try to record the full name, address, vehicle and insurance information of the other party, do not forget to record date, time and location of the accident, the names and addresses of all involved parties and names and addresses of witnesses. It is also important to record the weather conditions and list visible damages to all vehicles.

As soon as possible, after the accident or disaster try to notify your agent, broker or insurance company, providing as much detail as possible.

Always help and assist in obtaining any information that is missing and required.

Record adjuster’s name, phone number and your insurance claim number for easy reference.

If insurance representative does not explain how the claim will proceed, ask what you can expect (for example the length of time to get repairs authorized, your options in the repair process, etc.).

Never order repairs to your vehicle or property until the insurance company has consented or had a reasonable amount of time to inspect the damage. It is good to remember that for every action you have to obtain authorization.

To make your policy work, there has to be a co-operative relationship between the policyholder and the company. So be forthright, ask questions when you have a concern but always stay co-operative.

In case you disagree with an action or decision by insurance adjuster, don't just wait, address it immediately. If the dispute is not resolved, speak with a manager. If you still disagree with decision or answer you got, submit your complaint to the company in writing.

If insurance company is unable to resolve the complaint within a reasonable period of time, it will usually provide you with a letter outlining its final position and notifying you of your right to have your complaint reviewed by a third party. If you have a problem it is good idea to find your State Insurance Department and ask for more info about that matter.

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