At some point, nearly everyone will have to deal with the process of writing an insurance claim. To many people this may sound like a tedious, even painful, process. In reality, there are effective, proven steps to composing an insurance claim that remove all traces of doubt and tedium. By carefully following these steps, anyone writing an insurance claim need not fear this seemingly complex and intimidating legal undertaking.
Get An Estimate
There are many reasons for writing an insurance claim but they are most often composed as an attempt to be compensated for property that has been damaged, destroyed or stolen. Whatever the case, the amount of compensation sought has a direct correlation to the original cost of the item and its current value. This is why it is essential to assess the original value of the item. If the original purchase receipt is still available, this task can be accomplished in no time.
If a receipt is not available, searching the sites of online retailers, browsing through old newspaper and magazine advertisements and posting questions in Internet forums are good ways to obtain this information. If all else fails, contact the item’s manufacturer and politely request the necessary data.
Once this data has been obtained, the value of the item upon the time of damage, destruction or theft needs to be assessed. Checking classifieds, auction websites or Internet retailers that offer used inventory can be helpful. Sometimes, however, certain items are difficult if not impossible to assess. In these cases, an educated guess can lead to an approximate estimation. After accomplishing these necessary steps, it is time to compose an insurance claim.
Write Well
There is one fact about insurance claims adjusters that no one can deny: no one understands them except for other insurance claims adjusters and, even then, it’s sometimes a shot in the dark. This is not because insurance companies intentionally use complicated jargon to confuse the public. Rather, it is because their line of work demands an extremely high level of specificity. There can be no error when it comes to valuing property.
There are software programs that have been designed for this exact purpose. Many of them are reasonably priced, especially when compared to the potential cost of a poorly edited and sloppy claim letter. These programs will automatically check and correct grammatical errors, misspellings and punctuation while converting your message into the appropriate legalese.
Be Direct, Be Precise
In your claim letter, state your intentions clearly and precisely while maintaining professional courtesy. Include your full name, the name of your insurance provider, your policy number and enclose any and all estimates. Provide thorough information on how, where and when you can be contacted and, most of all, make sure to ask to be notified immediately when any new information develops.
By sticking closely to this plan, you can take what is usually a headache-inducing procedure and make it into an efficient and rewarding experience.
This post was provided by Gina Reynolds, an insurance policy and claim specialist. She recommends you get your assurance auto claims done with the knowledgeable staff at La Compagnie d’assurance Belair Inc.