Speed up your insurance claim with these 10 tips
Posted on January 09, 2025 | by | Posted in Insurance
Insurance is in place to take care of you when the unexpected occurs. Whether you are travelling or there is damage to your car or house, insurance companies are there to support you and make sure that you are not left out of pocket when these unwanted situations arise. These 10 tips for speeding up your insurance claim process will help to ensure that if you need to make a claim, it can be completed quickly and efficiently for everyone involved.
Make sure your insurance policies are accurate
Understanding your insurance policies and ensuring they are accurate is a big part of facilitating a smooth claim. Ongoing policies should be reviewed annually and updated accordingly so that when an incident occurs, you and your insurer both have a clear picture of the insured items and their up-to-date values.
Notify your provider as soon as possible
As soon as an incident occurs, it should be one of your first priorities to notify your insurance provider. Whether it’s the loss of luggage while travelling, a car accident or storm damage to your home, the sooner your insurance company is aware of the incident that has occurred, the sooner they can begin assisting you with the claims process. This includes being able to help with the documentation and related reports that will be required to process your claim.
Gather the correct information and reports relating to your claim
By notifying your insurance company early, you have the best chance of processing your insurance claim quickly. As the specialists that are providing you with the insurance, the company you are insured with will know best what kind of reports and information you will need. This may be photographic evidence of a car accident, a police report relating to a theft from your home or any number of other items that will enhance the speed of your claim being processed.
Utilise technology to process your claim
In days gone by, lodging an insurance claim would have to be done in person or by mail and the back and forth could take months if the claim was not complete with all the information required. With the help of technological advancements today, many insurers offer an online portal for claim processing that speeds up the process and makes it much simpler for all involved. One of the most important of our 10 tips for speeding up your insurance claim process is to use every technological avenue available to you.
Have your documentation in order
There is no doubt that processing an insurance claim involves a fair amount of paperwork. One of the best things you can do to ensure that your claim is smooth and efficient is to have all the required documentation in order before making your claim. This includes original purchase receipts for items that have been lost, damaged or stolen. As not everyone keeps their receipts, it is important to begin the process of gathering these items early so you have everything you need when the time comes to make your claim. Planning in advance for insured items and keeping receipts in one location is something you can do before any unwanted situation occurs to ensure that when it comes time to make your claim, everything you need is easily accessible.
Communicate with your insurance provider
Communication between you and your insurer is key to a smooth claim. Answering any questions relating to the claim promptly can mean the difference between a claim being finalised quickly and being available for follow-up questions, whether they are by email or phone call, is also important. With open lines of communication, you have the best chance of your claim being submitted and processed rapidly.
Cooperate with any insurance investigations
Unfortunately, not all insurance claims are as simple as lodging a claim and receiving a payout. In some circumstances, the event might require investigation by the police, a representative from your insurance company or both. It is in everyone’s best interest not to hinder any of these investigations by remaining open and honest and facilitating the investigation wherever you can.
Be ready with estimates for repairs
If you are making a claim where you know or your insurance company has told you that you will require quotes for repairs, it is best to begin gathering these as early as possible. Many insurance companies will require 3 estimates before they can commit to a payout figure for the settlement of your claim. If the unexpected event occurs at a busy time of year for repairers, you should start arranging these quotes as early as you can to avoid any delays.
Lodge appeals on insurance decisions quickly
If your insurance claim has been denied and you decide to appeal the decision, the earlier you can start this process, the better off you will be. Appeals can be lengthy ordeals, so if you are planning on seeking professional advice, it is best to begin this process immediately so that you can lodge your appeal for review sooner rather than later.
Facilitate smooth settlements
If your insurance claim is approved by your insurer, the last step in the process is executing the settlement. For the settlement to be completed, money might need to be paid directly to you, to a repairer or a third party, depending on the type of claim you are making. The best way to ensure that this final step is completed quickly and efficiently is to have payment details ready for your insurance provider. This may include collecting the required bank account details, providing receipts for work that has already been completed or ensuring that your insurer has the right contacts for the people who require payment as part of your claim.
By following these 10 tips for speeding up your insurance claim process, you can work to ensure that making a claim is as quick and easy as possible for all parties involved. Choosing to work with an experienced broker like Matrix Insurance means you will have access to specialists who can provide expert advice and assistance with all your insurance claim needs.
