Keep calm
I get that you are upset. You don’t want the problem to become about you and not the disagreement you are trying to solve. Ask for what you want from the company, and do so calmly and politely. Keep track of who you speak to, what they say, when and how you did it as you work through the claims process. Keep a log of all written correspondence.
Ask questions
Sometimes people get angry about a simple understanding. Make sure you and your insurance adjuster understand each other well. You can help them clarify what they are trying to say and then ask if it is true. It doesn’t matter if there is a simple misunderstanding. Once you get to know each other, it can be fixed. Understanding why the company made this decision is important so that you can decide if you will be able to contest it.
Ask the adjuster what they would consider if you file a claim against your policy for damage to your property. You should ensure that the adjuster has all the information about the property, including brand name, age, and any special features. If nothing else works, you can find the “appraisal” clause in your insurance policy or request it from your insurance company. This section of the policy describes how property value disagreements will be resolved. It usually states that the appraiser will be hired by you and your company. If the appraisers are unable to agree on the loss, the umpire will decide the correct value. The cost of your appraiser would be half of the umpire’s cost. However, if there is significant money at stake and you believe you have a chance of winning, the expense could be worthwhile.
You must ensure that you have all documentation if you file a claim against an insurance company. In order to allow the adjuster to document your injuries, you should provide contact information for all doctors that you visited if you were hurt. Keep track of all medical expenses, lost income, as well as travel costs. Photographs should be taken if you have scarring. Check the police report, if any, to determine if the insurance company has all relevant facts.
Write it
Proper documentation is essential to resolve your claim. If you are unable to settle your claim, send a letter to your insurance company and include a copy of the letter. If you need to prove anything, this will come in handy.
If the company denies coverage to a customer, they should send you a written denial. This will include the policy language they are using and explain how it applies and why the claim is not covered. This is usually provided by most companies. In the event that they refuse to provide this, demand they send you a denial letter.
Read their decision
You should carefully read any coverage denial letters you receive. Insurance policies can be very complicated contracts. These policies typically contain a declarations page, an insurance agreement, conditions, and exclusions. These are important to help you understand your insurance policy.
The declarations page provides information about who is covered, the coverages that apply and the coverage limits. Each time you renew your policy, you will be provided with a declarations page. This section of the policy is fairly self-explanatory. The policy does not cover damage to neighbor’s homes if you have insurance that covers damage to your house and neighbor’s houses in the event of a storm. The rest of the policy is more complicated.
The policy’s intended coverage is briefly stated in the insuring agreement. The insuring agreement does not cover any loss that is outside the coverage. Most liability insurance agreements cover losses that result from accidents. It is not covered if the loss is not due to an occurrence.
You must follow the conditions section of your policy to be eligible for coverage. The common duties include reporting the loss immediately, cooperating with the investigation and providing the documentation reasonably necessary for the investigation. You should report all claims immediately. If you attempt to manage the situation yourself, and it fails, the company may not be able to investigate the claim. This could lead to coverage denials.
Ask your agent for help
Your agent might be able to assist you if you are having trouble understanding your policy, or if you are not making headway with your adjuster. Your agent can help you explain how your claim is progressing, what has been frustrating you and what you want to happen next. Ask your agent for clarification if the policy is unclear. Your agent might have some insight or connections that could help you settle the claim to your satisfaction.
Get in touch with a claims supervisor
The adjuster’s supervisor can be reached by you. You can give them a summary of the claim and ask questions about company policies or procedures. You can tell them what you want, and ask them if they have any additional documentation to support your view. Ask them if they are open for compromises and if there is room for negotiation. Ask them what the next steps are and when they can be expected to occur.
Contact your state’s Department of Insurance
The Department of Insurance in your state can be a great resource. Their website can be found online. You can do research about what insurance policies cover and what to expect from your insurer if you file a claim. You can ask questions or file a formal grievance. When you file a formal complaint, be clear about everything that has happened to you, the reasons you are unhappy with it, and what you would like to happen next. You should also include your contact list and any correspondence between you, the insurance company and yourself. The Department of Insurance will contact the company to provide a deadline for a written response. It is not a panacea. If the company has strong reasons for their decision, they will need to explain it to the Department of Insurance. It will be heard and will result in a response.
Get in touch with an attorney or public adjuster
After considering all the facts and taking into account the position of the insurance company, if the claim is substantial enough, you may need to hire an attorney to assist you. Look for a trusted attorney who has done similar work for someone else. Ask for references and look beyond the information on their website. A family lawyer may be able help you with this or refer you to someone who can.
This option is last as it can slow down the process and result in significant costs. If you think you might need an attorney, you should set up an initial appointment to get an overview of your rights, responsibilities, and an evaluation of the case. Even if the attorney is not hired to represent you in court, they might be able help you present your case effectively and avoid any problems in resolving it.
