Making an Insurance Claim

When it is time to make an insurance claim, the more prepared you are, the more smoothly it will go. Be familiar not only with your policies but also with the steps you should take to file a claim.

Preventive Measures

It’s important to know beforehand what to expect from the insurance company. When you buy any insurance poly what is not covered. Know what numbers to call and the type of information you will need when speaking with a claims agent.licy, read the contract carefully and learn specifical

It’s also a good idea to take an inventory of your belongings and keep the list in a safe-deposit box. Make sure to include:

Descriptions of possessions; for example, the makes and model numbers of
electronic equipment and appliances.
Photographs or a videotape showing the condition and quality of your insured items, especially jewelry or antiques and collectibles.
Appraisals of expensive items such as antiques, artwork, furs, and jewelry.
Receipts documenting purchase prices; canceled checks or charge-card statements also can be used.

When Trouble Strikes

File a complete and accurate claim as soon as possible. Take the time to fill out everything the way the insurance company wants it. Or, if you are on the phone with a claims agent, be extremely detailed in your descriptions and be certain that all your information is correct.

File a police report in the event of theft or vandalism. Your claim may be denied if you don’t.
Write a detailed account of any incident immediately after it occurs so that you are more likely to remember what happened.
Take photos of any damage.
Telephone your agent and send him or her a copy of the police report. Follow his or her instructions on how to proceed.

Filing a claim can be stressful, but being properly prepared and knowing what to expect will help move the process along, possibly allowing you to receive the funds you need to cover your losses in a more timely manner.

The information in this article is not intended to be tax or legal advice, and it may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. You are encouraged to seek tax or legal advice from an independent professional advisor. The content is derived from sources believed to be accurate. Neither the information presented nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. This material was written and prepared by Emerald. © 2012 Emerald Connect, Inc.

Charles Richard Derrick, Registered Representatives of Park Avenue Securities, LLC (PAS). Securities products and services are offered through PAS, 954 Ridgebrook Road, Suite 300, Sparks, Md. 21152, 410-828-5400. Field Representatives, The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, New York, New York. PAS is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Guardian. Derrick Financial Group is not an affiliate or subsidiary of PAS or Guardian.

Stephen Lee Derrick and Charles Lee Derrick, Registered Representatives and Financial Advisors of Park Avenue Securities, LLC (PAS). Securities products/services and advisory services are offered through PAS, a registered broker-dealer and investment advisor, 954 Ridgebrook Road, Suite 300, Sparks, Md. 21152, 410-828-5400. Field Representatives, The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, New York, New York. PAS is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Guardian. Derrick Financial Group is not an affiliate or subsidiary of PAS or Guardian.

The information on this site is intended for the residents of DC, KY, MA, MD, ME, NC, PA, and VA. The financial representatives of Derrick Financial Group are not licensed to sell insurance in all 50 states. To find out if an agent is licensed in your state, please contact Lee Derrick at 410-263-9708.

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