A catastrophe occurs. You're dealing with a house fire. Your computer has been taken. You are involved in a car accident. It is time to assert your claim. When you submit a claim, you are formally requesting payment from the insurer for a loss or event that is covered by the terms of your insurance policy.
Definition
Claim: A formal request to your insurer for payment for a loss or event covered by your insurance policy.
The following are the steps to take:
As soon as possible, contact your insurance broker, agent, or company. The majority of insurers impose deadlines on when you must submit your claim. Your agent will determine whether the loss is covered under the terms of your policy.
When submitting your claim, include all necessary supporting documents. For instance:
- If you are filing a claim with your auto insurance company, you may be required to file an accident report with the local police department.
- If you are filing a claim for home insurance due to a flood, fire, or theft, you may be required to provide a list of your possessions. It may also be beneficial to photograph the damage prior to cleaning, but only if doing so is safe.
- If you are filing a claim for life insurance, you may be required to submit a death certificate.
Make repairs only if the insurer has authorized them and only if they are safe to do so.
Tip
Making a claim could result in an increase in your premiums. Certain insurance companies will give you a discount if you have not filed a claim against your policy. If the amount of your claim is only slightly more than your deductible, consider paying the claim yourself to avoid a premium increase.