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Filing An Insurance Claim
By: Lana Hampton
Everything seemed pretty simple when you purchased that insurance policy. If you
have a loss, just tell the insurance company about it and you will get paid -
Right? Well.... it may not be quite that easy. There are some basic steps you
should follow to make sure your insurance claim is paid quickly and fully.
Prepare - in advance. The single most important thing that will make your life
easier in the event of a loss is to be well prepared in advance. Do you have
offsite copies of your computer files? What about paper files? If this is some
kind of property loss, you will need to document the value. If you have to try
to reconstruct records that were destroyed, it will delay your insurance payment
and make it much harder for you to prove the value of your loss.
Estimate your loss. While it may not be possible to know the full extent of the
loss, develop an estimate. If it is close to or below your deductible, you are
probably better off not filing the insurance claim. Your rates will be based in
part on your claims history so there is no advantage to you in filing a claim
you will end up paying for out of your own pocket. Be careful, however, as most
insurance policies require you to report a loss within a certain timeframe,
usually 2 - 4 weeks.
Call your agent. Many insurance companies ask that you report your claim
directly to the claims department. This is more efficient for them but not
necessarily better for you. Your insurance agent may represent the company but
his income depends on keeping his customers happy. Independent agents, in
particular, are small business owners and owe their primary loyalty to their
business. If you're a small business owner, your insurance agent understands
that his business depends on keeping his customers happy.
Keep in touch with the adjuster. Ultimately the insurance company will assign an
adjuster to work with you to estimate and pay the loss. Work closely with the
adjuster and respond quickly and completely to his requests for information. The
easier you make his job, the quicker you will get paid.
Consider an independent adjuster. If your loss is large and complex, it may pay
you to hire an independent adjuster to work on your behalf. If you do decide to
take this step, make sure you hire an adjuster who has experience with your type
of business loss.
About the Author:
Lana Hampton makes it easy to find the insurance right for your needs. Visit
http://www.yowsinsurance.com today for the latest insurance news and
information.
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