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How To File an Insurance Claim |
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When we take out insurance, it’s with the sincere hope that we will never really need to claim it. But if it comes to the worst case scenario, how will you cope? Where will you begin? The following may answer your questions.
- The first thing you should do, before you call the relevant insurance company, is to go through your documents and check to confirm that you are actually covered for the particular loss or damage. Without being sure, the call would just be a waste of time and energy.
- If you have several forms of insurance, then it’s necessary to decide under which policy you will claim. In the event that you can claim under more than one insurance policy, check to see which one has the lowest excess. Keep in mind how next year’s premiums may be affected by a claim.
- If the damage is in the form of fire, flooding or property destruction, maybe you can click some photographs that clearly capture the damage. For instance, if there’s a flood, you will do yourself a favor by taking some pictures to show before the water level starts to recede. The amount you can claim will vary with the height of the water. Click some photos both inside and outside the property to best capture the situation. If there has been a burglary, you can take some photos of the mess the intruders have left behind, if possible. You can never tell when these shots may come in handy.
- If the damage is in the form of fire, flooding or property destruction, maybe you can click some photographs that clearly capture the damage. For instance, if there’s a flood, you will do yourself a favor by taking some pictures to show before the water level starts to recede. The amount you can claim will vary with the height of the water. Click some photos both inside and outside the property to best capture the situation. If there has been a burglary, you can take some photos of the mess the intruders have left behind, if possible. You can never tell when these shots may come in handy.
- When you’ve decided which policy you are going to claim, call up the insurer and obtain a claim form. If it’s an emergency or urgent situation, perhaps you will be allowed to make a claim over the phone. Not only will you save time on giving the necessary details but the claim itself will be dealt with promptly.
- In the case of a form, fill it as soon as possible, keeping in mind that you may need to get estimates on repair and replacement costs. If you have had no choice but to make emergency repairs, you must keep the receipts and invoices, as part of your claim.
- If an adjuster visits you, inform him/her if you need an advance or partial payment of loss. Good records will help your insurance company in this matter.
- If applicable, present your inventory to the adjuster, for information. Describe the lost or damaged items clearly and succinctly. Victims of crime must remember to report the incident to the police at the earliest.
- Manufacturers' names, serial numbers, prices, and dates of purchase can also be helpful information to your insurers, so inform them accordingly.
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