Most of us pay monthly for insurance coverage, but rarely do we think that we will need to use it. Unfortunately, accidents happen, and having the ability to file a claim with your insurance provider can provide you with some peace of mind during a stressful time. Filing an insurance claim, however, can be a complicated process, which is why we want to share with you four tips you need to know about insurance claims.
- Do not wait to file a claim.
Most insurance companies require you to file a claim promptly or within a reasonable time period. Once you file a claim, your insurance company needs to evaluate your case, assess any damage, and identify any other parties involved. By waiting too long to file a claim, the insurer can argue that they did not have sufficient time to conduct a thorough investigation and may deny your claim. Accordingly, the most effective way to help ensure you receive full coverage is to file your claim as soon as you can.
- Document everything.
Documentation and detailed record-keeping is key to helping you during the claims process. As soon as you file your claim, you will receive a claim number. Be sure to write this number down and keep it easily accessible, as you will need this number every time you discuss your claim with an insurance provider. We also encourage you to keep notes of all communications with the insurer to help you keep track of the status and any updates to your claim. Typically, insurers assign an individual adjuster to each claim. You may be in frequent correspondence with this individual, so making a note of their name and contact information is important.
- Be patient and cooperative.
As frustrating as it can be, some claims can take a while to resolve. It is important to remain patient and courteous in all communications with the insurer and the adjuster assigned to your claim. You may be asked to provide more information during the claims process. Promptly responding to any requests for information can help keep your claim moving along and avoid delays in the process.
- Consult an attorney before signing certain documents.
It is important to talk to an experienced attorney before you sign any legal documents, such as a non-disclosure agreement or a confidentiality agreement. Sometimes, insurers ask those filing claims to sign these documents. You may not know, however, that by signing them, your ability to obtain all of the benefits of your policy may be affected.
Above all, remember that skilled representation can deliver the peace of mind you deserve so you can focus on other things. Do not wait to ask us your questions and contact an experienced, local attorney on our insurance claims team today.