We all have some type of insurance, whether it's life, dental, health, disability or all of the above. So when it comes to your insurance, do you have any idea how you can file a claim? For instance, if your business has damage or your employee needs to claim disability, you may be responsible for assisting to file the claim.
However, if you have insurance, then that's great. But it may not bring you much good if you file a claim unsystematic. Here are some common mistakes that should be avoided when filing an insurance claim.
MISTAKE #1: NOT MAKING A QUICK ACTION
A lot of people are doing something wrong when filing insurance claims, they don't act fast. This the very first thing that should be accomplished, after securing personal health or property, is to contact the insurance company. Don't delay. Why? Claims are easier to adjust when events have occurred and the evidence is fresh. Physical evidence and witnesses' memories fade over time. Also, a swift notice is a condition of coverage in most business insurance policies.
Just like commercial property policies that normally require early notice of any loss or damage. Most of the time, commercial property policies normally require you to advise the insurer as soon as practicable in the event of an occurrence, claim, offense, or suit. If you don't comply to report a loss or claim within a reasonable amount of time, your insurer may refuse payment.
Or you may report a loss or claim to your insurance agent or broker. The latter will relay the information to your insurer on your behalf. Your broker or agent will get the claim forms and assist you to complete them.
MISTAKE #2: NOT GOING THROUGH YOUR POLICY TERMS
As a policyholder, you want to make sure that you understand your insurance policy as soon as you enroll. If you file a claim even if it's done correctly, it won't benefit you if you don't have the coverage you think you do. There are strict requirements in the policy for documentation and what to do before contacting the insurance company. Study on the specifics of the specifics policies, instead of relying on assumptions. Just make sure that you completely understand the guidelines and rules of the policy before claims need to be made.
MISTAKE #3: POOR RECORD-KEEPING
If you fail in the documentation, it may be the cause of the delay for the recovery for a claim. You may want to document every communication you have with your insurer regarding your claim. Take note of the time, date, and content of each verbal conversation. You can store all the documents to your insurer, so you can access them quickly. If you mail the paper documents to your insurer, you can retain a copy of each for your file. Record the date the documents were mailed. If you're talking to a claims representative or an insurance employee of a certain company on the phone, send him/her a summary of the conversation in a letter or email.
Just in case an accident or loss happens, document the scene with a camera if you possibly can but make sure that your situation is safe. Try to take some photos of your damaged property. You may send the pictures to your insurer when you file your claim. Photos are a great tool to verify your written description of the events and damaged property.
Documentation is crucial when it comes to filing an insurance claim. You may save copies of all documentation since it will be used later for an insurance settlement.
Author Bio: Ivandrea Ollero is a daytime writer for Insurance Advisernet NZ, one of the largest and most trusted General Insurance businesses in New Zealand, providing leading insurance products, technology, and policy wordings. She is also a content crafter who researches and writes custom content about travel, fashion, finance, business, home improvements, health, and beauty, in order to provide helpful information and tips for her readers. Ivandrea graduated from St. Scholastica's College, Manila, with a Bachelor's Degree in Broadcast Journalism in 2016.
