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That’s
right, one of the reasons we carry insurance is to help us
when we suffer a loss. Invariably, we will all at some time or
other have to file a claim to recover damages. At times like
these, it’s a good thing you’re covered by insurance…right?.
For most people, though, the only thing worse than suffering a
loss, is having to file a claim.
Really, it's not so
difficult.
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Contact your agent. The agency will
send you a claims form or provide access online.
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Fill out a claims form describing the
details of your accident and its outcome and return it.
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We or the company will send out an
adjuster to verify the damage and make the claim.
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A check is sent to you.
Take care
when making a claim. If you claim an excessive amount or make
too many claims in a year most insurance companies will cancel
your policy. Don't be afraid to claim what is due you, just
don't make claims for anything you don't really need to have
covered or that were really lost.
Here are some tips to make
your claim process as painless as possible:
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Know your policy beforehand.
Yes we have it, but you should also know what does it
cover? What doesn’t it cover When does it cover it? When is
it not covered.
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Don't admit fault. Let the
company and any other agents involved ascertain guilt -
don't say you'll pay for the accident simply because you
feel bad about it.
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Call us (or claims hotline)
immediately. Call or email us as soon as you can to
avoid missing any deadlines or delaying payment.
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Document everything. Keep
copies of every piece of paper you need or may need, from
the police report (if there is a police presence at the
accident) to pictures of your car pre- and post-accident, to
receipts for car improvements; anything you may need to
prove your claim, including cost or repair and replacement.
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Don't hire - or threaten to hire -
an attorney. Make your claim. If you have to, call up
your state's Insurance Department. Only as a last resort get
lawyers involved. Once you have a lawyer, the adjuster may
talk only to that lawyer.
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