The Ohio Department of Insurance was busy last year answering and fixing complaints.
Some people had been upset about their home insurance Cleveland Ohio and other cities in the state.
They felt that their claims should not have been denied.
The Department of Insurance reviewed the complaints and changed the outcomes on many of the claims.
As a result, they are interested in warning consumers about how to avoid the pitfalls of filing insurance claims.
There are seven ways to avoid problems with claims.

• You need to understand your policy from the start.
  Think of the contract as an agreement between you and your insurance company about what will be done by both parties.
  You cannot expect more than the policy states, just as the company is bound to follow through with their promises.
  
• Do not wait to file your claim.
  Some policies have a specific window of opportunity of when you can file.
  Even if that is not the case, your damage will be harder to prove as time goes by.
  You might also lose precious receipts.
  
• Make sure you give the insurance company the facts they need.
  If you hold back information the agent or adjuster will not know the specifics of your claim.
  That means you will not get compensation that equals the value of your losses.
  Whatever you do, give correct information, or the process will come to a standstill.
  
• If you do not understand anything about your claim, ask.
  You have a right to know all about your policy.
  If a claim is denied, it is your company's responsibility to explain the reason they denied it.
  It is better to have a disagreement that you can address proactively than to be confused about what is going on.
  
• You will need to keep copies of all the letters you send to and receive from the insurance company.
  You must also take notes whenever you talk on the phone or in person.
  Always make sure your home insurance Cleveland Ohio is the reference point for all discussions.
  
• Consider settlement offers thoroughly before you accept.
  Too often, home owners take the first offer they get without thinking.
  Later, they realize that the settlement will not cover their damages or set their house back to its original condition.
  Negotiate a better settlement if you are not satisfied.
  Use a professional if you need to.
  
• Handle temporary repairs correctly.
  Take pictures of the damage.
  Make the repairs that need to be done to protect your property until more comprehensive work can be done.
  Keep any receipts you have for the temporary repairs.
  

Your home insurance Cleveland Ohio is there to give you peace of mind.
A part of that peace comes in knowing that you can deal with the claims adequately.
Be prepared and you can do it.