How to File an Insurance Claim

Filing Injury Claims, Car Accident Claims, Homeowners Claims Reports

Jul 2, 2006

Seven easy steps to file an insurance claim for a home or business. Use these helpful tips to file an insurance claims report and make the process an easier one.

Filing an injury claim or an insurance claim for damage to a home or car doesn't have to be a heartbreaking process. Follow these seven steps to make the homeowners and car accident claims filing process a lot easier and quicker, too.

#1 File large and small claims ASAP to the appropriate insurance agent or insurance company. First things first- inform the agent and insurance company so they both know that an accident or injury insurance claim is being filed. Take a minute to write everything down for small and large claims, so thoughts are in order before you start the insurance claims filing process.

#2 Start the insurance claims filing process by working on an inventory of lost or stolen property. A property inventory list should be stored in a safe place, but if it hasn't been started, start working on an inventory when the claim is filed. A police report should also be filed in case of an altercation relating to an injury claim, burglary or vandalism. Filing a police report helps credibility in case of an identity theft claim in the future. Consider using one of the identity theft watchdog programs available today to protect families and businesses. They monitor personal and business credit reports and watch for unusual activities on accounts.

#3 Get updates on next steps for filing a business or homeowners insurance claim from the insurance company or insurance agent. Find out what the insurance company wants claimants to do- sit tight? Or take action? If it is a car accident claim, are repair estimates needed? Should a contractor be engaged to begin repairs? The insurance company will walk claimants through the next steps necessary for a business or homeowners insurance claim.

#4 Review insurance policy coverages when you filing a small or large insurance claim. Take some time to read the fine print to ensure appropriate coverage is available for a homeowners or business insurance claim before filing.

#5 Keep records of receipts for homeowners or business insurance claims. Receipts may need to be turned in to the insurance company. Start a folder of information and keep everything together to make large and small claims filing an easier process. Include money spent on repairs and living expenses if applicable. Make copies of everything in the file before providing information to an insurance company claims department.

#6 When filing an insurance claim do everything possible to prevent the loss from happening again. Whether filing an identity theft claim or an injury claim, it's in the claimants' best interest to do anything reasonable to prevent a reoccurrence. Check with the insurance company homeowners, business or car accident claims department or an insurance agent if unsure about what's "reasonable."

#7 What to expect from an insurance company claims department when filing a claim. Unless you've suffered damage due to a catastrophic event, claimants should receive a phone call or a visit from the insurance company claims department within a couple of days after filing the claim. If a loss occurred as a result of a large-scale natural disaster (like a tornado or hurricane), there may be a delay before the claims adjuster arrives. Have notes and all information ready for the insurance company claims adjuster. Complete any forms as quickly as possible so the insurance claims filing process isn't delayed.

The copyright of the article How to File an Insurance Claim in Insurance is owned by Lisa Nichols . Permission to republish How to File an Insurance Claim in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.