General Tips - Opt for a plan with a high deductible.
Plans with lower deductibles are more expensive and will encourage the filing of small insurance claims, which can cause the insurance company to raise your rates.
- Do not file claims for small maintenance issues, as insurance companies will use this to increase your premium.
- Repair minor damages to your home before they become major problems.
Damage resulting from chronic issues such as mold or water leaks may not be covered by your insurance policy.
Preparing For a Claim - If you know you will be filing a claim, inform your insurance company as soon as possible.
It is sometimes difficult to remember to do this, especially if you are experiencing stress from a health scare or accident, but you should try to do so whenever possible.
- When preparing to file a claim, do your best to document and organize all relevant information.
If you can provide physical evidence of all losses and expenses, it will expedite your claim.
Take photographs and video of any damages whenever possible, and, in the case of an auto accident, keep contact information for all witnesses present.
- When dealing with life insurance, you can ask the insurance company if the deceased designated a business or other entity to receive benefits before the family so you know what to expect.
- Remember that your insurance company may pre-certify certain medical services to prevent problems with coverage.
In addition, they will provide you with claim forms and give you instructions for filling them out.
Finally, they can keep you informed with regard to what types of treatments are covered and how much reimbursement you will receive.
When Disaster Strikes - In the event of severe home damage, do what you can to prevent additional trouble.
For example, if windows are broken, board them up to eliminate further damage to your home.
In the end, this will save you frustration and expenses.
- Make a list of all lost possessions and their values.
Ask credit card companies to send you past statements for older purchases.
- Keep all receipts related to replacement and repair costs.
If you are unable to live in your home, keep a record of this as well.
Having sufficient documentation will make the claim process a lot simpler.
Things to Avoid - Don't wait too long before filing your claim.
Some insurance companies will only accept a claim for a certain length of time following the incident in question.
- Don't miss any insurance payments.
- Beware of con artist technicians that prey on disaster victims.
Wait until your claim has been paid and then look for your own technicians.
- Don't spend a lot of money on temporary repairs prior to filing your claim.
Wait until the insurance adjuster has done his inspection before attempting to fix things.
Plans with lower deductibles are more expensive and will encourage the filing of small insurance claims, which can cause the insurance company to raise your rates.
- Do not file claims for small maintenance issues, as insurance companies will use this to increase your premium.
- Repair minor damages to your home before they become major problems.
Damage resulting from chronic issues such as mold or water leaks may not be covered by your insurance policy.
Preparing For a Claim - If you know you will be filing a claim, inform your insurance company as soon as possible.
It is sometimes difficult to remember to do this, especially if you are experiencing stress from a health scare or accident, but you should try to do so whenever possible.
- When preparing to file a claim, do your best to document and organize all relevant information.
If you can provide physical evidence of all losses and expenses, it will expedite your claim.
Take photographs and video of any damages whenever possible, and, in the case of an auto accident, keep contact information for all witnesses present.
- When dealing with life insurance, you can ask the insurance company if the deceased designated a business or other entity to receive benefits before the family so you know what to expect.
- Remember that your insurance company may pre-certify certain medical services to prevent problems with coverage.
In addition, they will provide you with claim forms and give you instructions for filling them out.
Finally, they can keep you informed with regard to what types of treatments are covered and how much reimbursement you will receive.
When Disaster Strikes - In the event of severe home damage, do what you can to prevent additional trouble.
For example, if windows are broken, board them up to eliminate further damage to your home.
In the end, this will save you frustration and expenses.
- Make a list of all lost possessions and their values.
Ask credit card companies to send you past statements for older purchases.
- Keep all receipts related to replacement and repair costs.
If you are unable to live in your home, keep a record of this as well.
Having sufficient documentation will make the claim process a lot simpler.
Things to Avoid - Don't wait too long before filing your claim.
Some insurance companies will only accept a claim for a certain length of time following the incident in question.
- Don't miss any insurance payments.
- Beware of con artist technicians that prey on disaster victims.
Wait until your claim has been paid and then look for your own technicians.
- Don't spend a lot of money on temporary repairs prior to filing your claim.
Wait until the insurance adjuster has done his inspection before attempting to fix things.
