Insurance Claim Tips to Avoid Having Your Claim Denied

If you ever have to file a claim, here are a few tips you need to know. 

Review your policy before you file a claim to be certain there may be coverage. Each policy provides for coverage in the event a covered peril causes damage to your property. Familiarize yourself with the coverages, deductibles, exclusions, limits, and conditions. If you have any questions or need clarification, contact your agent.

If you proceed with filing a claim, it is critical to provide accurate and complete information. Be honest and transparent throughout the process.  Be responsive to any questions asked, and be prepared to provide documentation on your claim and repairs such as pictures and receipts for payments. Provide accurate and detailed information about the incident, including dates, times, and any other relevant facts. Be sure that your mortgage loan information is accurate, so there are no problems when a check is sent for the settlement.  The settlement will be payable to both you and your mortgage holder(s), so you will need to work with them to obtain the funds.

Report your claim to your agent or insurance company as soon as possible after the loss.  Your policy has a time limit on how late a claim can be turned in.   The claims procedure is typically included with your policy information, including who to contact and what information will be needed.  Keep a record of all communication with your insurance company, including names, dates, and details of conversations. Be aware that your insurance adjuster may be from out of town, so be sure to monitor your incoming calls and emails.

Do not complete repairs prior to your adjuster having seen the damage, because this will likely void your claim.  You are expected to make temporary repairs to keep damage from getting worse, but the adjuster will need to document the extent of the damage to calculate the expected settlement offer.

Treat your adjuster like a good friend.  You want an amicable relationship.  Avoid being demanding or annoying.  Typically, adjusters are very nice people with a huge workload, and you want to be willing to be patient, and they will take care of you.  Plan to keep in touch with them only once per week to work together to get the claim closed, and expedite getting your repairs completed. 

In most cases, the claims process works, and you will get your property repaired.  The whole process takes longer than anyone likes, but it usually works.  In those few cases where outside legal assistance is required, you will have time to start this after the initial claims process is complete.

Don't engage outside legal council or public adjusters until you let the process work through.  If outside legal is engaged, then both sides have to lawyer up a,nd the whole file gets put on the back burner.  Wait  until you are certain there is something to argue about, and look into mediation and arbitration for your most cost effective resolution. 

Angelyn Zeringue is President of SouthGroup Insurance Services, a CPA, PWCAM, CBIA, and licensed Trusted Choice Insurance Agent.  Reach Angelyn at www.southgroupgulfcoast.com, (228) 385-1177,  azeringue@southgroup.net.

Your Trusted Choice Insurance Agent, SouthGroup Insurance Gulf Coast wants you to know you can call on us with your questions or concerns seeking more helpful advice or answers to your pressing insurance questions. A full insurance review is always your best bet to make sure you have all of the adequate coverage for your personal insurance needs. Remember, we offer a personalized insurance review to anyone who is interested at no charge – just visit any one of our convenient locations!

To help you through the maze of coverages, carriers, premiums, and find ways to save money on your insurance, if you are on the Gulf Coast, contact your Trusted Choice agent, SouthGroup-Gulf Coast http://www.southgroupgulfcoast.com/ , SERVICE TEAM: Angelyn Treutel Zeringue, Tammy Garfield, Tammy Hogue, Melissa Dunn,  Anne Gillam, Mark Strickland, Joseph Eagle, Michael Scardino, Melinda Teaford, Wendy Butler, Gabriella Scardino, Tiffany Nguyen, Alexa Weldon, Denise Pickers and Brittany Eagle at SouthGroup Gulf Coast. You can reach us by snail-mail: 412 Hwy 90, Suite 6, Bay St Louis MS 39520, email: info@southgroupgulfcoast.com, phone or text:228-466-4498 or 228-385-1177, fax:888-415-8922, FaceBook www.facebook.com/southgroup.gulfcoast , or Twitter www.twitter.com/atreutel ! We now have more locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi and 412 Hwy 90 Ste 6-Bay Saint Louis, MS.

We offer the following Lines of Coverage: Workers Compensation, Auto, Home, Life, Health, Disability, Motorcycle, Boat, Wind, Flood, Commercial Property, General Liability, Directors and Officers Liability, Bonds, Group and Individual Life/Health/Dental/Disability/ Vision/Long Term Care, Business Owners, Builders Risk, Commercial Crime, Errors and Omissions, Dwelling Fire, Commercial Flood, Group Accident, Garage Dealers, Inland Marine, Law Enforcement Liability, Pollution Liability, Professional Liability, Personal Umbrella, Commercial Fire, Commercial Umbrella, Excess Flood, Identity Theft, more…

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