Sep 22 2008
When a claim may not be recognized by an insurance company.
It is a considerably daunting task to read and understand an insurance policy whether it be homeowners, fire, auto, medical or life. One of the sure fire ways to easily understand what is covered and what is not is to read through the exclusions. If it’s not listed within the exclusions it is covered.
As an example: If a tree falls on your home and causes damage, read the exclusions to your homeonwer’s policy. If it states a tree falling on your home as an exclusion, you are not covered. If it does not mention the tree falling, then you are covered. It’s as simple as that.
It is also imperative to have proper documentation when filing a claim. If you are filing a claim under your auto insurance policy make sure if there is major damage that the police are contacted so as to have a police report on file. If there is minor damage make sure all the necessary information is collected. It is also extremely helpful to have a witness and photos of the damage to both vehicles. With all these cell phones these days having digital photography capabilities it is easy to get photos on the scene. Get two to three damage estimates as well. This is also true for filing a homeowners claim. If you are filing a claim for theft, make sure there is a police report. It is also very important to have photos of the contents of your home. You can photograph your home room by room. Any valuable items should be photographed separately and it is also a good idea to have appraisals done on your valuables like jewelry, antiques and collectibles.The main thing to remember is insurance companies will recognize all claims unless it is specifically excluded within the policy. So, read those exclusions and be safe.
