How to Collect on an Insurance Claim

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Insurance Articles by A-1 Auto Insurance

How to Collect on an Insurance Claim

Filing an insurance claim can often be an unsettling experience. Most people are used to dealing with transactions that require trading currency for a tangible product. This is certainly not the case when you are trying to collect on an insurance claim. Fortunately, there are several tips you can follow to simplify the process. They will help you to receive proper compensation for your insurance claims and to ensure your claim is processed fairly and quickly.

Remember Your Claim Number

It’s very important to safeguard your claim number if you have ever been victim of a motor vehicle accident, natural disaster or a theft. You will need to prove that you paid for an insurance policy, so be sure to write down your claim number. Place the number in a safe place where you will be able to easily retrieve it when it’s time to collect on your insurance claim. Your insurance adjuster will be able to process your claim much easier and faster if you can provide this individual with your claim number.

Realize the Role of Your Adjuster

If you have to file an insurance claim, you need to remember that your insurance adjuster is not hired to advise you how to obtain more money. This person will also not explain your claim in detail or ensure you receive exactly what you expect. Your insurance adjuster has an obligation to complete your claim as quickly and efficiently as possible. It’s important to realize the nature of your relationship so you are not mislead or disappointed by the process.

Be Respectful

Try to remain calm and treat your insurance adjuster with respect. Collecting on an insurance claim can be an exhausting process, but it’s important not to take out your frustrations on your adjuster. Threatening to take adjusters to court will only get their defenses up and make the negotiation process much more complicated. It will be much easier to process your insurance claim if you have established a relationship of respect and trust with your insurance adjuster.

Prepare Thoroughly

Lack of preparation is another common mistake made by many people who need to file an insurance claim. You should take the time to thoroughly review all of your documents and learn how the claims process works. For example, if you need to file an auto insurance claim, it’s important to find out how your particular state will determine the value of your damaged vehicle. If you don’t know the difference between a Blue Book state and a fair market value state, you need to find out! Similarly, you should discover exactly what compensation you can expect if you need to file an injury claim.

Bargain Fairly

It can be very difficult to bargain with your insurance adjuster. You need to know when it’s time to accept an offer you have received, and when it’s time to continue negotiating for additional money. Arguing for a small amount of money, may cause you to lose out on the original offer. Be prepared to accept an offer that is close to the amount you expect so you will be able to negotiate additional aspects of your insurance claim.

Provide Clear Documentation

If you want to file an insurance claim, you need to provide clear documentation in order for everything to go smoothly. Submitting receipts indicating the exact price you paid for stolen items. Taking photos of the expensive items around your home and keeping a detailed inventory list that includes dates and prices paid for each item is also a good idea. If you can provide documentation to substantiate any insurance claim, the process will be much easier. Unfortunately, too many people submit false claims or exaggerate the amount they paid for stolen or damaged items. Therefore, if you can provide evidence, you are at a significant advantage of having your claim approved.

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