While you may be protected by your insurance policy from certain types of damages and thefts, the insurance company can't help you out if they don't know about your loss. Giving the insruance company prompt notification of an issue for which they need to pay is so crucial that many policies have it down in writing in the paperwork. If you don't promptly notify your insurance agency when you have a claim, you could jeopardize the payment of your claim altogether.
If you have a claim, you should notify the insurance company as soon as possible. Most companies are very reasonable, but you shouldn't delay this notification. Both you and the insurance company are provided some legal flexibility as to what is reasonable. Delays due to hospital stays and emergency circumstances are understandable, but other types of delays may not be as well-received. The easiest way to get prompt, full payment is to notify the insurance company by calling the agent or visiting their website within a day or two of the unexpected event. You may even be able to allow friends or family members to care for this task if you can't for some reason.
To start the claims process, you should tell the agent your full, legal name and, if possible, your policy number. Tell the agent your version of what occured and the exact date of the loss. Include as many details as possible. If you have paperwork to go along with your claim, like a police report, you should fax that to your insurance company.
When you insure your home or automobile, you are protecting yourself against loss. When a loss occurs, act promptly so you won't jeopardize the payment of your claim.
If you have questions about your insurance coverage in the Oakland, California area, contact Cook, Disharoon & Greathouse.
