What should I do if I want to make a claim on my insurance?

By: GeraldOchoa

All of us need insurance at one time or another, whether it’s car insurance, home insurance, or travel insurance. To file a claim, follow our guidance.

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Time limits for policies

You should immediately get a claim form from the broker or insurance company if you wish to file a claim.

You should always check your policy terms for deadlines within which claims must reported or claim forms to be completed and ensure you follow them. You may not be covered if you do not follow the claims process.

Loss adjusters

Your insurance company might arrange for a loss adjuster visit to you in order to determine if your claim is valid.

Your insurers may hire loss adjusters to conduct investigations and provide advice. A loss adjuster can be appointed on your behalf.

To establish the legitimacy of your claim, the loss adjuster will ask you several questions. Then, the insurance company will receive a report, which often includes a settlement figure. You can write to your insurance company explaining why you don’t like the offer.

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Collect evidence

  • Depending on the type of claim you have, you might need to prove that theft was reported to police. Make sure to get a report or an incident number.
  • You can fill out a property irregularity form if your luggage is lost while you are travelling. Keep the receipts if you need to make an emergency purchase.
  • If your claim is dependent on medical evidence, such as a report from a specialist or doctor, you should get it. Keep all receipts for medication if you are claiming medical expenses under your travel insurance policy.
  • Photographs are a good idea. Also, get statements from witnesses regarding any events that could give rise to a claim.
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The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations (2008) consider it an unfair commercial practice to ask your insurance company for documents that are not relevant to your claim.

Insurance for home buildings

  • Keep in mind that an insurance policy is not a maintenance agreement.
  • It is a requirement of your home building insurance that your property be kept in good repair and maintained.
  • You could lose your claim if you do not follow these steps.
  • If your insurance company refuses to pay your claim, you will have to prove that your claim is valid.
  • It may prove difficult to prove your claim is valid if you are unable to produce any evidence to support it.

Insurance on contents of your home

  • You must immediately report any theft of your property to the police.
  • Your insurance company may refuse to pay your claim if you do not. To determine how much you can claim, always check the terms of your policy.
  • If your policy provides new-for-old coverage, you can claim the cost to purchase a new item to replace the one that was stolen or destroyed.
  • Indemnity covers you for the cost of replacing damaged or stolen items with ones of equal age and condition.
  • Your insurer will not pay you a cash settlement if your claim is not settled. Insurance companies often reserve the right to replace or repair stolen or damaged items.
  • You can request evidence such as receipts or independent valuations if you are not satisfied with the offer from your insurance company.
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Flood damage

Flood damage to your home can be costly. If you are the owner of your home, it is worth calling your provider immediately to inquire about repair and replacement options.

Flood insurance may be difficult for those living in high-risk areas.

The Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs has published a guide called ‘Obtaining Flood Insurance in High Risk Areas’. This guide provides useful information to help you get a policy that is right for you.

Car insurance is required by law.

  • Comprehensive insurance will cover you if you don’t want the cost of repairs to be your responsibility and you can’t prove the other driver was at fault.
  • This covers you for third party, fire, theft, as well as damage to your car and contents.
  • This includes medical expenses and transportation costs to get your car back home after an accident.

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  • Normally, the car’s market value is the one that was at its most valuable when it was stolen or damaged.