How to make an insurance claim
Paperwork is probably the last thing on your mind when you’ve just had an accident, but if you want your claim to be filed correctly it’s important to get it right. Here’s a simple guide to making an insurance claim, so you can get back on your feet in no time.
1. Contact your insurer
When it comes to having a claim processed successfully, time is of the essence. Making contact as soon as possible is important, even if you’re not aware of the full extent of damage. With most claims you will need to fill out a form, but contacting your insurer initially will get this process underway and put you in the best position possible for a successful outcome.
2. Review your policy
The next thing you’re going to want to do is make sure you’re actually covered for what happened, so take a quick moment to review your policy. Even if it’s just taking a brief look at the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), reviewing your policy will ensure you know what you’re actually covered for and the steps you have to take to put this coverage into action.
3. Find and provide evidence
Perhaps the most important element of the claim is putting together your evidence to give the claim actual legs. Insurers will require certain documentation and evidence to provide what has been lost or damaged, and likely liability as well as the nature and value of the claim.
Documents commonly asked for include:
- Original receipts
- Original police reports
- Valuation reports
- Medical certificates
- Product make, model and serial numbers
- Photographs or videos of property or items, or the event itself
Source: Understand Insurance
4. If you need urgent financial assistance
If you are suffering from financial hardship as a result of the claim and you’re finding the process is dragging on, the best thing to do is to contact your insurer and be honest about the situation. Often they can fast-track the assessment or even make an advance payment.
Have you ever had to make a claim? How did you find the process?
Let us know in the comments.
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