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Insurance Claim Tips

Saturday, 03 October 2009 22:54

While going through an event that necessitates you claiming on your insurance, you shouldn’t rush into it. Not following the correct claims procedure could lead to your claim not being repudiated or losing out on cover. A good claims procedure sees you lodging the claim quickly and assessing damage before the assessor, among other things.

1. Report the insurance claim quickly.
As soon as goods are damaged or stolen, inform your insurance company. Your claims process usually comes with time constraints.

2. Check you coverage
Make sure you understand what you can and cannot claim for in your cover. Your claim may fall under an exclusion. Also know the extent of your cover. The claim may fall outside your policy.

3. Document the damage
Before the assessor gets to check out the damage or the absence of the stolen goods, document this yourself, with photos if you can. The inventory should be a list of all the goods or property that was damaged, including a description. Gather receipts of goods as well, ready for the assessor. But be sure not to fabricate anything, this is fraud leads to suspicion which could lead to your claim being rejected.

4. Don’t make repairs
If the damage is severe, you may make temporary repairs to the property, but don’t make any permanent repairs before the assessor can determine the extent and file and accurate report.

5. Bring a contractor
Accompany the assessor while he documents the damage. Bring a contractor for second opinion to make sure you are getting a claim worth the damages.

6. Take notes of the discussions
Make sure you record the discussions you have with the assessor and the insurance company. Note names and dates and subjects discussed (even over the phone) as well as outcomes decided.

7. Get multiple quotes
Get three fair quotes from reliable contractors. Your insurance company will most likely choose the cheapest one, so make sure all three are from someone reputable.

8. Appeal the rejected claim
Don’t accept a claim you are not happy with. There is the ombudsman and independent assessors who can assist. You can also appeal any rejected claim. A good broker will help mediate an agreeable solution.

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