Tips For Filing Insurance Claims

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Living in the city, chances are that you either have or might eventually encounter unforeseen situations and it’s only by having an insurance cover that you can be safeguarded from the aftereffects. Accidents, natural disasters, theft, illness, heavy bills and high reparation costs are all common scenarios that threaten your well being, but with valid insurance, you can weather any storm. So, how do you file an insurance claim when these eventualities occur? By following our tips outlined in the length of this article, you will be able to file claims with insurance company to get reimbursement.

Knowing what to do when you have an incident that ends up requiring you to make an insurance claim on your insurance policy can help you avoid some of the headaches, heartache and red tape involved in tackling the process; it can also help you get better value for your insurance money. Whether your car is involved in an accident or if it is stolen, or your house is damaged by fire or flood, or you fall ill and you need medical attention, put your insurance to work for you.

All these said, it is important to note that having insurance claims are not an opportunity to be fraudulent, but to assist you in a valid, genuine incident that you have already paid a premium for.

So Who Can File an Insurance Claim?

Yes you! But before thinking of taking advantage of the right to make insurance claims, you must first of all have an insurance policy that is valid and covered by a valid insurance company, as claims can only be made by insurance policy holders. Claim types usually include bodily injury or ailment, claims for medical expenses and property damage claims, accidents and repairs, stolen or damaged property; and in life insurance

When Can You File a Claim?

Your ability to file a claim for vehicle repairs depends on the cause of the damage and the coverages/extension(s) that you have purchased under your insurance policy, otherwise your claims request will be denied. Once a valid damage that is covered by your insurance occurs, you need to immediately contact your insurance company as soon as possible to file the claim. Your insurance company’s contact details are listed on your insurance policy document; you may also be able to find it online on their website.

What Do You Need to File a Claim?

Detail, details, details, it’s all in the information required. Basically, when you contact your insurer to file a claim, make sure you provide the following information:

• Narrative details of the incident/accident.
• Your full name and policy number.
• The start and end date of your policy.
• Date and time of the incident.
• Contact details of person(s) involved.
• Valid identification card or document.

Your insurance company might also require you to complete a sworn statement that details the events of the accident (i.e. weather conditions, time of day or night that the incident occurred, etc.) before proceeding to resolve your case. Claims resolution usually follows this sequence;

1. Evaluation of your claim by your insurer, which can include inspection, examining evidence of claims, and an initial payment.
2. Resolution of the case, including payments as appropriate.
3. Closing of the case.

Note To Self: They might ask for more details or even less.

And How Do You File a Claim?

Once you have made contact with your insurer, your case will then be assigned to a professional at the insurance company who will work on your claim. Since you are primarily responsible for protecting what you value, your insurance company can allow you to pay the bill before reimbursing with your claims; this normally occurs if the claim is little. As you meet with the claims professional assigned to your case by your insurer to discuss your coverages and options in the situation, making sure you do the following;

• Take photos of the scene showing extent of damage and if there are, bodily injuries (please visit a doctor immediately).
• Write down everything related to that event, time or activities it may have cost you.
• If compulsory, file a police report and request a copy (in the event of theft).
• Report the event to your insurance company immediately.
• Allow your insurance company to inspect the damage before repairs.
• Save all receipts and documentations for expenses incurred, to present as part of your claim.
• Provide any requested information the insurance company needs as part of its investigation.
• Be sure not to make permanent repairs before claims approval, because they may not be reimbursed.

Depending on your insurance company’s policies, you can do this online, by calling your insurer during regular business hours, or by calling the company’s claims division. Making smart decisions about how to move forward with your claims, and making sure you document all damage, will go a long way toward a fast and smooth settlement.

Here’s How Filing Your Claims with Compare Insurance Goes.

When you buy motor insurance online on Compare Insurance, you get the benefits of quick, easy and convenient claims process. Compare Insurance will help make your claims easier by taking care of the claims process on your behalf with your involvement. In order to file an insurance claim through Compare Insurance, take advantage of any of the following options;

The E-mail Option – You can send a direct email of your claims to claims@compareinsurance.com.ng. A CIN claims staff will respond, requesting you to provide the necessary information/documentation required for claims processing which usually include;

• Copy of your Insurance certificate
• Claim form of the insurance company (for you to fill)
• Itemized estimate of repair on official receipt.
• Photograph of the accidented vehicle showing the registration number
• Any other claim supporting documents
• Copy of the driver’s license of the driver in charge of the accidented vehicle when accident occurred.
• And police report/extract may be required.

The Compare Insurance Portal Reporting Option – The CIN portal www.compareinsurance.com.ng gives you the option to manage your insurance account as well as make claims when an incident occurs. On the CIN portal, simply click on the “File A Claim” tab and enter the details of the incident and you will get an automated response, after which, the process begins.

From there the insurer takes charge. The price estimate on the repair will be negotiated or they might request to use their car repair garage/mechanic. They send a DV (Discharge Voucher) which has their new negotiated repair estimate to you via CIN Claims Team or at times directly to you with CIN in copy. Once you sign the DV which has now become an EDV (Executed Discharge Voucher), the insurer makes payment either as a transfer or as a cheque. Payment to your account after you have signed the DV is between 3-7 working days; now the claims is Settled.

This article is provided by compareinsurance.com.ng, the online insurance portal for buying insurance from Nigeria’s most serious insurers in 3 simple steps…Kindly visit our website on www.compareinsurance.com.ng or call Sola on 09090004273 to get more information and help today.

Kindly visit our website on www.compareinsurance.com.ng or call Sola on 09090004273 to get more information and help today.