It was a bright, sunny day, and then all of a sudden – it happened.
In the insurance world, it can be a number of things. It could be a newbie teenage driver who’s too busy “jamming out” to the newest pop hit to notice you hit your brakes. Or maybe it’s the annual Thanksgiving turkey fry that got a little crazy and caught the house on fire. Or perhaps you went on vacation and came home to a soggy, flooded basement.
Whatever it is, it’s usually not very fun and can have you digging into every piggy bank you have stashed away.
But that’s what insurance is there for. It can come in pretty handy in these types of situations, protecting you from significant financial losses when the unexpected happens. Depending on the damage you’re facing, filing an insurance claim may be the best thing to do.
What exactly is an insurance claim?
An insurance claim is a formal request made by a policyholder to an insurance company for coverage or compensation for a covered loss or policy event, such as a car accident or house fire.
Once an insurance claim is filed, the insurance company typically sends a representative called an insurance adjuster to investigate what happened. From there, they will review the claim and, if approved, you’ll receive a payout to help cover your losses.
If you haven’t filed a claim before, there’s a good chance you will at some point in your life. However, the question is: Do I always have to file a claim?
When should I file an insurance claim?
Just like most things in life, deciding whether to file an insurance claim can be a bit of a gray area. However, there are some general guidelines you can follow to help make the decision.
Typically, we recommend checking your deductible amount before deciding to file a claim. It’s generally not worth filing a claim if your deductible is higher than the estimated damages—or even if the damage is only a couple hundred dollars more than your deductible.
For example, if you’re in a fender bender and it will cost $800 to repair your car, but your deductible is $1,000, we’d advise you not to file a claim.
Another important factor to consider is how filing a claim could impact your premium rates. Even if you’re not at fault or the damage was caused by a natural disaster, there’s a possibility your rates could increase when your policy renews. In certain situations, it’s even possible for an insurance company to cancel or non-renew your policy.
That’s why it’s important to understand the potential consequences before filing a claim and to work with an independent agency that can help pair you with the insurance company and coverage that best fit your circumstances.
While there are times when filing a claim may not be recommended, here are some specific situations when you should definitely consider filing one:
- When there is an injured person involved
If you’re in a car accident and you or another person is injured, we recommend filing a claim.
- When who is at fault is not clear
If it’s an accident where it’s difficult to determine who is at fault or the timeline of events is unclear, it’s probably best to file a claim and let the insurance companies investigate and sort through the details.
- When it’s a “total loss” or the damages are not affordable
For example, let’s say your car is totaled. That new pile of metal could set you back several thousand dollars. For many people, that’s too much to take on themselves. In this case, it makes sense to file a claim and use your insurance for what it’s there for.
Every situation is different, so we’re here to help advise you through the claims process. We are your advocate, not the insurance company’s, so please contact us if you want to talk through the pros and cons of filing a claim.
How do I file an insurance claim?
How about we use this scenario: You’ve just been in a massive car wreck, and the entire back of your car is smashed to bits. Luckily, everyone is okay, but it’s safe to say your car is completely totaled, and it’s time to file an insurance claim.
So, where do you go from here?
That’s where we come in! Here are a few vital steps to take when filing your claim.
#1: If needed, call the police
If someone is injured, there was a crime involved, or the damage is considerable, by all means, call 911. While a police report isn’t always required to file an insurance claim, it can be helpful to have one so there is a documented record of what happened.
This can come in handy during the claims process if there are questions about who was or wasn’t at fault.
#2: Share information and keep documentation
Next, make sure you collect information from everyone involved so you’re prepared for the next steps. You don’t have to document every single second of the event, but be sure you have at least the following information for auto claims:
- Name, address, and phone number of the other parties involved, along with a photo of their driver’s license, if applicable and available
- Insurance policy numbers
- Year, make, model, and license plate numbers of all vehicles involved
- Photos of the accident from all sides and angles
- Detailed notes from the people involved about what happened
If you are injured and need medical treatment, keep copies of physician reports, medical bills, and any other documentation you receive while being treated.
And how does this compare to home insurance claims? Here are the main things to keep track of when filing a home insurance claim:
- Take photos of any damage to your home
- Keep a list of any personal belongings or property that was damaged or stolen due to a covered event or crime
- If your home is unlivable and you have to stay somewhere else, keep receipts for those additional living expenses
#3: Speak to your insurance company
This is where G&G comes in! We are YOUR advocate, not the insurance company’s.
From here, we’ll help you understand the ins and outs of the claims process and advise you along the way. While the insurance company sends the adjuster and ultimately makes the claim decision, we’re here to help move the process along and work on your behalf.
Please contact us if you need to file a claim or need help during the claims process.
If it’s after our normal business hours, you can also visit our Billing & Claims page for a list of insurance companies and their billing and claims information, so you can contact your carrier directly when needed.
#4: File your insurance claim
You’ve finally made it to the filing stage! Don’t worry—you don’t have to do this on your own.
Give us a call, and we’ll help guide you through the rest of the process.
I Filed a Claim, Now What?
Phew, you made it! But what happens next?
After you file your claim, the insurance company will typically send an insurance adjuster to investigate the accident and assess the resulting damage.
The insurance adjuster will review the details, evidence, and documentation to get a complete picture of what happened. After that, they will make a recommendation to the insurance company about how the claim should be handled.
If you are dealing with the other party’s insurance adjuster, don’t feel like you have to accept a settlement if you believe the offer is unfair. The other insurance company may try to minimize the amount it pays, so be prepared with thorough documentation and evidence to support your claim and respond to any low settlement offers.
Filing a claim and receiving your payout can be a complex process, but knowing what to expect can help you feel more prepared throughout the process.
Need Help With an Insurance Claim? We’re Here to Help.
Not sure whether you should file a claim or what to do next? G&G Insurance is here to help you navigate the claims process and advocate on your behalf. Our team can help you understand your options, work with your insurance company, and make the process as smooth as possible.
Don’t navigate an insurance claim alone. Get your free quote today to get the guidance you need.