Posted by Andy Gregory on Tue, Mar 17, 2009 @ 02:22 PM
If you're lucky, you haven't had to file any insurance claims in your lifetime. Of course, you would be in the minority, as most business managers have dealt with insurance claims at one time or another.
As you would assume, some claims are much more difficult than others, combining complex legalities with paperwork and process. But if there was one piece of advice to give to someone embroiled in a tough insurance claim, it would be to ensure that you cooperate with the insurance company and keep the communication lines open. In literally every kind of insurance policy written, among the various terms and conditions are an insured's duties in the case of a claim. Although the wording of the forms varies among insurers and coverage, in general it states that an insured must cooperate and provide any and all information, testimony and evidence required for claim settlement . This could even mean simple things like returning phone calls or forwarding files. If you don't comply, you could be in violation of the contract that you are legally bound to and could forfeit your insurance coverage.
Don't give the insurance company an opportunity to deny your claim. The more you help them, the better they will be informed to get your claim settled and filed away in the past!