How to Get the Most from an Insurance Claim

 

You insure the valuable assets that you own in the hope that you get back compensation form the insurance company in the event of a mishap. You expect your insurance company to stand right behind you when there is an accident or a natural disaster causing damage to your car or home. However, it is seen that in most cases where customers make an insurance claim, these companies are either denying or playing delaying tactics. This is rather unfortunate as customers are under the impression that they would be paid in full to compensate for their losses because of these damages.

When nature decides to strike, you are a mute spectator to the damage caused by an earthquake or a hurricane. But when you muster courage and try to pick up pieces in a bid to rebuild your home, you find that the insurance company that sold the home insurance policy to you is now standing in between the compensation you deserve. This is ironical as the agents make tall claims and promises when selling their insurance policies. However, there are still many ways in which you can get the most out of your insurance claim.

Study the coverage provided

You need not wait for the disaster to strike to make a claim as you can study the terms and conditions of your insurance policy. If you are unable to make sense of the conditions, you can take help of a professional to know the extent of money that you can get in case of a natural calamity. In fact, review of coverage should be done periodically to make sure that you have adequate cover to take care of damage to your home.

Click pictures of the carnage and also make videos

You must shoot the damage done by the disaster and also make some video clips to present in support of your claim. ‘Before and after’ pictures are often the most compelling visual proof of the extent of damage to the structure.

Calculate the losses

Make an assessment of the losses incurred because of the disaster and hire the services of an adjuster to document the losses. Keep copies of these estimates and a list of all the possessions that have been damaged because of the disaster. Ask for combined insurance claim forms and fill the information in the format that the company requires.

Never make assumptions

Do not assume that something is not covered if it is not mentioned in your insurance policy. Always include the details of everything of value that has been damaged in your insurance claim.

Lastly, never feel afraid of being dropped by your insurance company just because you are challenging a payout or making an insurance claim that is much than sanctioned by the company. It is your right and you must exercise it.