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You may think that when you pay your premiums and pick up the phone to call when you have a loss, your insurance company will be on your side. Unfortunately, this is often not the case. Insurance companies view their policyholders as adversaries when it comes to claims in order to minimize their payment obligations and maximize profits. The insurer may challenge seemingly insignificant details in an effort to reduce or deny your claim. Understanding what the insurance company is entitled to in terms of its defense against a lawsuit can help you push back when you feel they are simply taking advantage of you. 

A lot of people hate writing to insurance companies. They can be intimidating because they are big. And anyone who has ever said “the customer is always right” has never worked in the business department of an insurance company. It’s no secret that some insurance companies are more difficult to deal with than others. You may think, “I don’t care, I just want to get the money I deserve and move on.” But there are a few things you can do which will make it easier for you, and easier for the insurer to pay you your money back. Read on to learn more about  how to create a professional Insurance Accident Claim.

Creating a professional Insurance Accident Claim

People tend not to think about insurance until it is needed, but that leads to the question of how to write an insurance claim letter when you are submitting one. A few things are for certain when writing a letter of insurance claim. First, you will need to have your policy number at hand. Second, you will need all your information in order so that it is easy to find anything the insurance company might question. Third, you will need to endure some long waits while your claim is investigated.

The process of creating a professional insurance accident claim letter is quite simple, and most people can create one on their own. Making a claim to an insurance company begins with a letter of explanation, called a notice of claim. A well-written notice of claim can minimize the expense of making an insurance accident claim and will most likely speed up reimbursement. Before you begin composing your letter, gather any documents related to the claim. Such items may include photos of damaged items, receipts for repairs, and copies of statements to police. In most cases, you will need to include copies of these documents with your letter in order to support your claim.

Auto Accident Insurance Claim

After an auto accident, it’s important to know how to file an insurance claim. Whether you’re the person who got rear-ended, or if you were at fault and hit another vehicle, certain steps must be followed in order to receive payment for damages under your auto insurance policy.

In many cases, filing a claim for insurance is a straightforward task. However, when an accident is caused by a negligent driver who was in turn covered by another insurance company, the process may be a bit more complicated. If your injuries were compounded by medical bills that have left you with large debt or you have suffered property damage that will take time and money to fix, then the time has come. In order to claim reimbursement from the at-fault driver’s insurance company, you need to create a professional accident claim letter.

When someone is hurt in an accident, the accident claim process often remains invisible to the public. But if the person hurt is the driver of your vehicle, you will know all about your personal injury accident claim because you will be involved in every way. All insurance companies share the same goal: to compensate people who are injured due to negligence or accidental acts by paying for all reasonable expenses related to the injury. The time between when an injury occurs and when injured parties receive benefits can be long and confusing for everyone involved.

Your insurance claim explained, step-by-step

Step 1: Connect with your broker. 

Every insurance policy is different. Some have an in-house adjuster, while others have an accredited 3rd party company. You can usually find this information on your insurer's website. Next, it's time to be honest about what was lost or damaged in your home. Your insurance claim will only be accepted if you've given all the details including photos or videos that show the damage done.

This insurance adjuster guide allows you to see the process as a whole and understand each stage as it progresses. From filing with your broker, to dealing with the adjuster, you’ll know all of the steps you’ll need to take during your interaction with the insurance company. This information is key to getting your claim taken care of as easily as possible without any miscommunication or confusion with the process. It also serves as a helpful reference for those who need a refresher on what to expect when filing an insurance claim.

Step 2: Claim investigation begins

When you have to file an insurance claim, what happens next? In the event of a covered loss or damage, policyholders will need to follow a few steps according to the Claims Service Principles developed by the Insurance Services Office (ISO), a group that helps to establish private-sector standards for insurance companies. These guidelines help consumers and insurers to easily understand each party’s responsibilities during a claim. It’s important to remember that specific procedures differ slightly depending on the type of insurance policy you carry; however, many policies follow these same general steps.

We at HDF Law want to make the process as smooth as possible for you, especially if your claim has been denied. After reporting your claim, we take steps to investigate, examine the scene, and speak to witnesses. We estimate damages and review your policy.

Step 3: Your policy is reviewed.

The process from the time you file your claim to the final conclusion of your case may take a few weeks. If a loss is covered, a check is sent to you quickly. However, if coverage is denied, you’ll see a decision letter that outlines our findings and states what specific points were not applicable or covered under your policy. From there, you have the right to appeal the decision.

Although it is important to know your coverage, the most important aspect of an insurance claim is completing it in a timely manner. Most policies will have a filing requirement specifying how long you have to file a claim after the incident occurred. In general, you should file your claim within 60 to 120 days from the date of loss. As there are many other factors related to the deadlines set by individual policies, it is best to verify with an independent source or speak with a representative from your insurance company.

Step 4: Payment is arranged.

Once the repairs are completed, the damaged items are replaced and your adjuster has determined everything is up to snuff, you’ll be contacted for settlement of your claim. The amount of time it takes for you to receive payment will vary based on your situation.

What happens if my claim is denied?

If there are claims that are disputed by the insurance company, it is not automatically assumed that they are legitimate claims. If the insurance company is challenging your claim, there may be a legitimate reason for this. You must prove to them through documentation or other means that you have a valid claim. If your insurance company is not willing to deal with you fairly, you can file a lawsuit for your claim, talk to a reliable attorney to understand more about this.

About the Author Jim Dwyer

Jim Dwyer is a relationship-driven attorney, who has been practicing law for over three decades and comes from a family of experienced and responsive personal injury lawyers.  He is passionate about helping people who have suffered from life-changing injuries navigate how to make the best possible choices about their specific situation and circumstances.  His number one goal is to ensure that people get the information they require, the care they need, and the justice they deserve.