Getting Results with Your Insurance Claim

Many people never file an automobile insurance or other insurace claim, and they are grateful for it. Should the task become necessary, it can be daunting, and it is normal to feel confused and nervous. Here are some steps that will help move your claim along.

1. Check your policy

Examine your insurance policy, and make sure you have coverage for your damage. Next, identify your policy number, and the amount of your deductible, if there is one. Also, your policy will contain instructions about how to report your claim. Some companies provide a toll free number. Others want you to call your agent. If you have doubts or confusion about anything, contact your agent and ask for assistance.

2. Be prepared

When you call about your claim, have a list at hand that includes the following:

- Your name and address as it appears on your policy - Your policy number - Essential phone numbers for you and the best times for claims people to reach you - The date of the accident or incident- A brief description of what happened - A brief description of your damage

Most calls will go to a claims call center where a customer support representative will take your report. In most cases, this person will not handle your claim. Instead, (s)he will send your claim to a department which will assign an adjuster. The adjuster then will take charge. As a rule, a representative needs only a little information to start your claim, so keep your initial descriptions short and simple. (For example: "A pie blew up in my oven. The kitchen floor and adjoining walls are scorched." or "I backed into a fire hydrant and dented my rear bumper.")

Limiting your descriptions to a few sentences and jotting them down in advance will save time, and you will have a written record of what you said. If the claim representative needs more information, (s)he will ask. Otherwise, save the details for your adjuster.

3. Avoid interruptions and distractions