Some great information from Auto-Owners on the insurance claim process.
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If you’re researching how to start an insurance claim, you’re having a rough day. So, we’ll get right to the point.
Let’s start with the basics. What is an insurance claim?
An insurance claim is a request for payment made by a claimant to an insurance company.
Once a claim is reported to the company or an insurance agent, it is recorded in the company’s claim system. Then, the agent or insurance company will keep a record of what is called the first notice of loss.
But keep in mind, every insurance company’s claims process will vary.
Now that you know what an insurance claim is, you may be wondering, how do I go about filing an insurance claim?
The best way to file a claim with Auto-Owners is by contacting the local independent agency where you purchased your policy.
If the loss occurs after your agent’s business hours, you can call 1-888-252-4626 for after hours service.
You can also visit auto-owners.com/claims for more information or to find your agent.
Once the claim is filed, your insurance company will likely assign a claim representative to your claim.
The claim representative will contact the parties involved to begin an investigation. This includes reviewing insurance coverages and assessing damages and liability if applicable.
Any payments are usually based on the outcome of this investigation.
Depending on your insurance company, this process may vary. If you do not work with a specific agent, keep track of who you speak with at the agency and or insurance carrier.
Most claims go well all on their own, but there are a few policyholder obligations you should be aware of that can help your claim progress smoothly.
First, report the claim as soon as possible.
This is not only a requirement of most policies, but reporting it quickly allows the insurance company to begin the investigation while the evidence is fresh.
Second, provide all requested documentation.
This can be a daunting task depending on the size of the claim, but documentation is an important way claims are supported and verified. Besides these two things, the best way to have a good claims experience is by working closely with your claim representative.
Still have questions? Want to learn more about insurance claims?
