If you need to file an insurance claim you need to know that it is a process. How the insurance process plays out largely depends on where you got your insurance from. For example, if you choose an online venue for your home insurance or classic car insurance, you may have a lengthy process in front of you. If you choose the best car insurance Beaverton has to offer through a trusted agent, the process can be painless.
An insurance center that offers focused personalized service for all your insurance needs will also deliver the focused personalized care that you need during the claims process. Online insurance options, just do not deliver the personalized support you need.
The First Steps In the Insurance Process for Claims
If you are filing a claim for a car accident, like a fender bender, or car theft, or a personal injury claim like whiplash, these are the most common claims. A common claim should be handled quickly, but that is not always the case.
Making sure that your claim is handled efficiently starts with doing your part. If you are filing a claim for your vehicle, make sure you have a police report. Even in the case of a fender bender, it may be necessary to report it to your local police department. Insurance carriers like documentation. A police report is a good form of documentation.
Immediately following the incident, contact your insurance company. You should have an insurance ID card that typically has a toll free number to call to report any incidents. Call as soon as you can to get the claim started.
If you have gotten your insurance from an insurance agency, you can contact your agent, who will help you through the process. An agent knows how to get your claim processed quickly.
The Adjuster
Once you have opened up the insurance claim, the next step in the insurance process will be a bit of a waiting game. An adjuster from the insurance company will contact you. You may have to meet with the adjuster, or you may have to supply pictures and documentation (police report) about the incident.
The adjuster will make decisions about your claim. If you do not agree with the adjuster’s decisions, you do have the right to appeal the decision. Having a savvy insurance agent on your side can help with the appeal.
The Check
If all goes well with the insurance process you should have a check-in your hand within 30 days. Most of the time you can expect to get the check sooner. One of the best ways to ensure that your property is protected, and the insurance process when you have to file a claim is simplified is to get your insurance from a trusted insurance agent, instead of a faceless online portal.