3 things you should know while making an insurance claim
When a windstorm damages your roof or you get into a car accident, chances are you won’t be in the headspace to think about your insurance claim. Talking to your insurance company may be the last thing on your mind in that moment, says Derrick Ajmo, vice-president of claims operations at DSB Claims, a nationally recognized award-winning claims management company.
That’s why it is important to know how making a claim works, what to expect & what you need to do. You can speed up your insurance claim and ensure it runs smoothly if you’re better prepared and educated on the process.
Top 5 reasons for claims:
- Fire
- Water
- Car Theft (Auto Claims)
- Wind Claims
- Vandalism
Three things to remember when making a claim:
Ajmo explains that while his company has seen a decrease in claims during covid-19, with people driving less and the shift to work-from-home, it’s expected that losses, and therefore claims, will increase again once restrictions are lifted and things reopen.
If you need to make an insurance claim, here are three ways to ensure it runs smoothly
- Document everything – The more pictures and documents you have supporting proof of your loss, the smoother and faster the claims process will go. If a contractor/adjuster is sent to your home to take pictures, ensure you show them everywhere there’s damage so they can record it.
- Realize that wear and tear is excluded – Generally insurance companies pay for what’s covered in the policy only, not for maintenance type items that fail due to age. For example, water losses (5 ways to protect your home from water damage) are usually caused by broken/corroded pipes/hoses – your policy will cover items damaged by leaking pipes but not the pipe repair. Some policies even exclude damage caused by corroded pipes. Pipes outside your home/building are generally not covered unless you buy coverage endorsements.
- Know your policy & talk to your broker – Understand what is/isn’t covered. Don’t wait until renewal of your policy to make updates. If you make any change to your home/car, let your broker know – renovating your home, adding a new deck/pool, modifying your vehicle etc. Can all impact your policy and therefore claim. Your broker will help you cover any gaps and guide you through the claims process.
If you need more ways to ensure that your insurance claim runs, smoothly contact us today, we assure you that you will get the right solution with A-Kan Insurance.
