What To Expect After A Claim...

As your insurance agent we feel it’s our responsibility to make sure you know what to expect when it comes to a claim. Every person that experiences a claim, whether major or minor, can expect to have their lives impacted. We have condensed the claims process down into four areas to better prepare you.

Time

Claims not only cost money, they cost time. At least 90% of insurance claims are processed in a few days with little difficulty to anyone. Another 9% of claims take a few weeks and are only a temporary disturbance on everyday life. The remaining 1% of claims are extensive in their scope. Whether it is a major car accident or an extensive fire, these claims last a long time and are very involved. Be prepared for your claim, whether large or small, to take time out of your everyday schedule. Don’t accept unreasonable delays but be patient and allow the process to run its normal course.

Emotions

It is not uncommon to experience feelings of frustration, sadness, inconvenience, anger, or uncertainty. Claims bring emotions immediately to the forefront, sometimes without you even realizing it. Your emotions can be taxed even more by disruptions to your work or your home routine. Understanding that you will be more emotional at this time can help get you through tough moments and temper your responses to new issues.

Attitude

Your insurance claim is like any other endeavor; you get out what you put in. If you go into the claim with a good disposition and a positive attitude you can work through any challenge that may occur. Remember that the claim adjusters and contractors you deal with are the most important people in settling your claim. Be friendly with them, it never hurts!

Follow-through

What do we mean by follow-through? We mean that you should confirm the process is progressing as you were told it would. If someone tells you they will call you back in two days, don’t wonder on day six why you haven’t heard from them. Call them on day three and confirm what’s happening. Follow-through also applies to you. Be sure that you complete the tasks you are given, if you need more time to complete your tasks then let someone know. Too many problems occur when follow-through falls by the wayside.

Armed with the information behind these four key points you should be ready to address your claim and make it as positive an experience as possible. To speed the resolution of your claim be sure to use your adjuster as your first point of contact. They are responsible and “in charge” of your claim once it’s reported. We are always here as you agent to help you whenever necessary. If you have questions they can’t answer, need to forward documents to the company or just needs some advice we’re here. And as it has been said, “In time, this to shall pass.”