Tips From an Insurance Claims Adjuster

If you've never filed an insurance claim before, the process can seem daunting. Where do you start? What do you need to do? How can you be sure that you're getting the best possible outcome? 

In this blog post, we share our top tips from an experienced insurance claims adjuster. By the end of it, you’ll have all the information you need on how to ensure your claim is handled efficiently and effectively. 

Know Your Policy

This may seem like a no-brainer, but it's worth repeating: before you file a claim, you need to know what your policy covers. What types of events are considered covered losses? What are the limits of your coverage? 

Many people don't realize that their insurance policy is a contract. And like any other contract, it's important that you understand all the details before signing on the dotted line. Read your policy carefully and be sure to ask your agent or company representative any questions you have. That way, you'll know exactly what's covered in the event that you need to file a claim.

File a Claim As Soon As Possible

Once you know that you have a covered loss, it's important to file your claim as soon as possible. In most cases, there is a time limit for filing (usually one year from the date of loss), so it's in your best interest to get the process started sooner rather than later. 

Documentation Should Be Up to Date and Accurate

When you're gathering documentation for your claim, it's important to make sure that everything is up to date and accurate. Your insurance company is going to want to see things like police reports, medical records, and estimates from contractors or repair companies. Ideally, these should all be dated within the past few months.

Keep Copies of All Correspondence 

Throughout the claims process, you're going to be communicating frequently with your insurance company (or their representatives). It's important to keep copies of all correspondence (phone calls, emails, and letters) so that you have a record of what was said and when it was said. This will give you a paper trail that can be helpful if there are any disputes down the road. 

Don’t Rush Into Settlement 

Once an insurance adjuster has had a chance to review your claim and assess the damage, they'll likely make a settlement offer. Resist the temptation to accept the first offer that's made; in most cases, it will be lowballed. 

This is likely one of the biggest financial transactions you'll ever make, so take time to consider your options and make sure you're getting what you're entitled to. If you're not comfortable with the offer on the table, remember that you can always negotiate. 

If worse comes to worst and you can't come to an agreement with your insurance company, there are always other options available ( mediation, arbitration, etc.) that can help resolve the issue without resorting to litigation.     

Ask Questions

If at any point during the claims process you're feeling lost or confused, don't hesitate to ask questions. Whether it's about the status of your claim or what types of documentation you need to provide, your insurance company should be happy to help clear things up for you. 

Always Be Prepared

While no two claims are ever exactly the same, there are certain steps you can take to make the process go as smoothly as possible. By following these tips from an experienced insurance claims adjuster, you can avoid common mistakes and get the most out of your claim.

At TSO Adjustment Services, we value all of our clients and strive to do the best for each and everyone one of them. For more information, or if you need an insurance claims adjuster, call us at 215-886-7440 or fill out our online contact form.