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7 Things to do when Making An Insurance Claim - Oakleafe Claims

7 THINGS TO DO WHEN MAKING AN INSURANCE CLAIM
claims handling, insurance, Insurance Claims, Insurance Claims Management, Loss Adjuster, Loss Assessor, tips & advice

Having to experience an incident such as Fire, water or theft can be extremely frightening. On top of that, you begin to worry about the long daunting process of making an Insurance claim. By following this list, you would have a better understanding of how an insurance claim is handled.

1 . Safety and Mitigation

Before you even consider making an insurance claim, safety is a number one priority. It is YOUR responsibility to mitigate any of the damages or loss to ensure the premise is safe.

  • For water damage: Electrical safety needs to be carried out and checked by a qualified electrician before you can go back into the premises.
  • For fire damage: A qualified Surveyor has to analyse the building and see if the fire has compromised any of the structure.

2. Alternative Accommodation Or Business Relocation

Temporary living space or business premises may be required for you immediately after the incident. We have emergency networks for Estate managing agents & property managing agents to assist in the procurement of temporary premises.

You need to organise this, and the costs need to be justified. In addition, these can help if the claim progress extends to a large period of time.

3. Seek Help From A Loss Assessor

Loss Assessors are professionals in Insurance Claims Handling. They handle all aspects of the insurance claims process from start to finish. As a result, The process of Making An Insurance Claim becomes easier as they take away most of the stress from the often long and complicated insurance claim Process. Furthermore, they will be conducting regular meetings with the Insurance Loss Adjuster to prepare the Insurance claims case.

4. Notifying Insurers and meeting their Loss Adjuster

The Insurance company must be notified Immediately of the incident. When making an Insurance Claim all of them should have 24 hour help line which you can call any day of the year.

Insurance Companies appoint their own Loss Adjuster to look after their interests to limit the levels of their liability. They will handle all investigations and negotiations on the Insurance’s behalf. The Loss Adjuster will assess the damage, interview you and search for previous claims history. If the claim is large, they can also instruct private forensic scientists to investigate the cause of the incident.

5. Emergency Contractors

Emergency contractors are professionals who carry out emergency works to mitigate the damage. They will Implement safety checks on the property. Boarding up windows and doors. Consequently verifying that the property is safe and damage wont exacerbate.

Insurers will not agree to any settlements of work until they are satisfied with the works done to eliminate any potential danger. Insurers will not pay until they are happy with your claim justification.

6. Scope of Works

Using a quantified surveyor will assess the damage your premise and they will compile a detailed scope of works. Consequently these scopes will prove specifications and requirements for the reinstatement of your premises.

7. Negotiations with the Loss Adjuster

During the negotiations, the Loss Adjuster will discuss the entire claim and will require many details and scopes. This includes any additional costs such as; emergency accommodation or business Interruption.

Choosing to use a Loss Assessor will reduce the burden and get you what you are entitled to. They will negotiate with the Insurance company representatives (Loss Adjusters etc) throughout the whole claim. Most of all, Loss Assessors will usually obtain the best possible settlement that you are entitled to, more so than you would do yourself.

Conclusion

Making an insurance claim can often be a long and complicated process. This can take away valuable time from the things you should be doing, like taking care of your family or business.

Did you know that 1 in 5 Claims are Repudiated when policyholders attempt at making an insurance claim by themselves.

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