When you’re filing an insurance claim, whether it’s for your car, home, health or travel, it can feel overwhelming, especially when it follows a stressful event.
Whether you’re navigating car crash claims or you’re dealing with a burst pipe in your kitchen, knowing what to expect and how to handle the process can make all the difference.
- Get to know your policy. Before you initiate any claim, you need to take a minute to go through your current insurance policy. You want to make sure that you don’t have to worry about paying an excess or if you do, how much you have to pay. Many claims tend to get delayed in the system or even denied because the damage or the incident falls outside the scope of coverage. If you check the policy in advance, you won’t have to worry about that because you’ll be sure that it doesn’t. Policy language can often be confusing though, so make sure that you call up and get some clarification.
- Document everything. Strong documentation is always going to be your best ally in a successful insurance claim. You need clear photos or videos of any damage as soon as it’s safe to do so. If it’s been a car accident, record the scene damage to all vehicles, licence plates and any visible injuries. For any property or health related claims, save the medical bills, receipts, repair estimates and communication. Service providers having a written record of phone calls, emails and dates of important conversations with the insurance company can also be invaluable, especially if there are delays.
- Report the incident quickly. Insurance companies require you to report incidents within a certain time frame, and that can be up to 72 hours. Delays can slow the process and may even void your eligibility to file, depending on your policy terms. As soon as possible after the incident, notify your insurer because you don’t need to provide every detail immediately, but initiating the process early gets the wheels in motion.
- Be accurate and be honest. When it comes to describing the incident, you need to stick to all of the facts and don’t exaggerate the damage. You also don’t want to leave out any information because insurance companies have investigators and adjusters who will review your claim thoroughly. Any inaccuracies, whether they’re intentional or not, can lead to complications and delayed payments. If you’re unsure about certain details, it’s OK to say so, but it’s better to follow up later with accurate information than to guess and create inconsistencies in your story.
- Know when to get some help. Some claims are simple, but others, especially those involving significant financial losses, may require professional guidance. If your claims are being denied or undervalued, consider speaking with an adjuster or a legal expert who can specialize in insurance disputes.
It’s never easy to make an insurance claim, but a lot of communication can go a long way.