Having insurance can be a little like owning a weapon - you paid for it, you're probably glad you have it, but you hope you never need to use it. The headaches of dealing with a car accident, damage to your home, health care bills, or a personal injury lawsuit (to name a few) can be overwhelming. So, when one of these unfortunate events does occur, you'll need to be familiar with the insurance claim process in order to mitigate those headaches as much as possible. The following article discusses some key points to keep in mind as you embark on the insurance claim process.
The insurance claim process varies somewhat depending on the type of insurance you’re dealing with, but there are some common tips to keep in mind regardless of the exact details of your situation. For starters, you should examine your insurance policy so that you understand your rights and responsibilities, including:
After these preliminary steps, it’s important to contact your insurance agent within the required timeframe. The insurance company will let you know what forms and information you need to submit. Take detailed notes of all correspondence you have with the insurance company, including the names of people with whom you speak, and keep track of the expenses you incur as a result of pursuing your insurance claim and those stemming from your accident or other insurance-related event (such as medical expenses, lost income, lost profits, etc.).
Additionally, remember to be honest about your injuries, property damage, and other circumstances. Committing insurance fraud is a serious offense and can invalidate your policy and lead to both civil and criminal consequences. On the other hand, if you’re at all concerned that your insurance company is not fulfilling its obligations under your policy or could be acting in bad faith, consult an independent attorney to help protect your rights during the insurance claim process.
Accidents and Injuries
The insurance claim process for accident-related policies like auto, home, and liability insurance usually involves a short window of time for filing a claim. Take pictures of the accident and retain contact information for any individuals who witnessed the accident. In addition to filing a claim with your own insurance company, you’ll also need to determine whether you should file a third party claim with someone else’s insurance if they’re at fault for the accident.
For property damage claims, consider hiring a public insurance adjuster if you’re unsure about the assessment and damages estimate provided by the insurance company’s own adjuster. If you suffered injuries, you may have to submit to an independent medical examination as part of the claims investigation. Lastly, don’t feel pressured to automatically accept a settlement offer made by the insurance company. If the offer doesn’t seem adequate, consult an independent adjuster or insurance attorney for a second, independent opinion.
Health Insurance Claim Process
Usually, your health care provider can submit a claim directly to your health insurance company if they provide that service and have your insurance information. If you have to submit a claim yourself, contact the insurance company for the appropriate forms and submit those along with an itemized bill from your health care provider.
Life Insurance Claim Process
To file a life insurance claim, you’ll need to submit certified copies of the insured’s death certificate along with any forms required by the insurance company. Most states require life insurance companies to pay insurance proceeds within a certain period of time, such as 30 to 60 days.
Each state has its own laws regulating the insurance claim process and the conduct of insurance companies in general. But across the board, insurance companies are expected to act in good faith and fair dealing. This usually includes the following:
Failure to abide by these standards and other requirements set forth in your state’s insurance laws could give you grounds to sue your insurance company for bad faith or breach of contract. You can also file a complaint with your state’s insurance commissioner if you suspect misconduct.
If your insurance claim is denied, you can appeal the decision with the insurance company. Check your policy or contact the company to figure out what steps you need to take. Whether you’re dealing with a denial of your health insurance claim or car insurance claim, once you understand the company’s reasons for denying your claim, you may be able to provide additional information or explanations to get them to reverse their decision. An attorney can help with this process, and, if the appeals process fails, can advise you on additional options, including a lawsuit.
Whether you're dealing with home, auto, health, or business insurance, filing and following through on an insurance claim can be a laborious process. If your claim has been denied, you're battling an uncooperative insurance company, or you simply want a second opinion on your claim options, contact a local insurance attorney who can protect your rights under the insurance laws of your state.
