Four Steps to Take Before Filing an Insurance Claim

Filing an insurance claim is an effective way to avoid financial stress during a difficult time. However, filing a claim for an accident, health issue, disaster, or unforeseen hardship is a multi-step process, so it's important to be prepared in case the unpredictable occurs. Here are four steps you should take before filing an insurance claim.

Notify Your Insurer as Soon as Possible

Insurance claims are easier to adjust when the accident, disaster, or loss has recently occurred, and the evidence is fresh and readily available. It's therefore vital that you notify your insurance agent as soon as you can if you are planning to file a claim. Some policies set a time frame for reporting a claim, and you don't want to miss your window of opportunity.

Review Your Insurance Policy

Before filing a claim, you should also revisit your insurance policy to review what it does and does not cover. Make sure that you understand your policy's guidelines so that you fulfill your obligations for receiving payment. If you have any questions or concerns about your policy, contact your agent for a more detailed explanation.

Keep Track of All Documents and Records

Whether you're filing an auto insurance claim for an accident, homeowners or renters claim for damages, or a health claim for medical services, it's critical that you keep track of all documents and records related to your claim. These may include police reports, photographs of the accident or damage, and medical evaluations and bills. Having copies of these documents together and ready to go will increase your chances of successfully filing a claim.

Preserve Damaged Property

If you have been in an accident or have suffered damage to your home, you should also take steps to preserve your damaged property. Repairing, discarding, or causing further damage can invalidate important evidence related to your insurance claim. You should only make changes to your damaged property once an adjuster has completed a full evaluation.

Accidents, losses, and hardships can occur without warning, so it's essential to be prepared to take the necessary steps in filing a claim. Since 1965, Connell & Curley Insurance Agency Inc. has been providing residents of Massachusetts's MetroWest with auto, home, life, health, and business insurance coverage. To request a quote or consult with an agent, contact us today by calling (508) 655-1112.