Filing an insurance claim should not be one of life’s more stressful events. Theoretically, when you have done the right things and have the right insurance, help is just a phone call away. Your insurance producer helps throughout the claims process in numerous ways:
Bowthorpe & Associates Insurance Producers takes claims support seriously and does not view it as an afterthought in the client relationship.
Making Sure You Understand Your Coverage Before Advancing The Claim
One of the most helpful things a producer can do is review your coverage ahead of making a claim. You likely have purchased insurance over the years without closely reading policy language or understanding how coverage applies to different situations.
A good insurance producer takes time to explain your coverage limits, deductibles, exclusions, and endorsements. They make it practical by explaining how the policy would respond to different types of losses. They can point out:
- Depreciation and replacement cost conditions
- Personal property sublimits
- Business income conditions
- Physical damage vs. liability limits
- Mold and water damage restrictions
- The difference between “new for old” and actual cash value
- Pollution exclusions
- New construction requirements
This guidance is vital for two reasons. First, it helps prevent surprises later when you file a claim and expect coverage. Second, it helps you make educated decisions about how to proceed with repairs, negotiations, and settlements before the work is started.
Guidance Through The Claims Process
The process of making a claim is not as simple as just notifying the insurance company. There are timelines to meet, documentation to produce, and specific responsibilities to fulfill. Your producer helps you navigate through the process by:
- Advising on timelines for reporting the loss and when to expect an adjuster
- Helping you document the claim correctly
- Advising on how to prevent further damage
- Reviewing and understanding your policy to anticipate any issues that might arise.
The more a policyholder knows about how a claim will be handled, the more prepared they will be to move through the process efficiently and effectively.
Helping You Organize Documentation The Right Way
Insurance claims are resolved based on facts and evidence, and the documentation policyholders provide can make or break a case. Collecting information is just part of the equation; it must be well-organized to make it easy for the adjuster to review.
A producer can help you compile all of the supporting documentation in a way that meets carrier expectations and enables efficient review. For example:
- Photos and videos
- Receipts
- Estimates
- Reports
- Written communications
When these items are submitted in a disorganized or incomplete manner, adjusters have to stop, ask for clarification, and sometimes even go back to the policyholder to gather additional details. When things are well-organized and presented the right way, it becomes a smoother process.
Acting As Your Spokesperson With The Insurance Company
Policyholders are often shocked by the level of negotiation that occurs during a claims process. It can range from a simple discussion about extra debris removal, to estimates coming in too high or too low, to incorrect application of depreciation, to a dispute about whether damage is covered at all.
A producer can communicate with the insurance company on your behalf. They can look over the adjuster’s report and point out any discrepancies, submit additional documentation, and negotiate for your best interests. Because they understand policy language and claims procedures, they know what requests have merit.
Acting As Your Advocate And Negotiating Settlements
In most cases, when the first settlement offer comes in, it is low. There are many reasons for this, such as simple adjuster error or miscommunication about what happened. A good insurance producer does not just accept the first offer either.
They compare the offer with independent estimates and policy provisions, then provide a clear written response as to why changes are needed and what recovery should be. If a claim is denied or the check falls short, they can also work to overturn the decision by submitting additional evidence, asking for internal review, and guiding you through formal appeals.
Helping You Navigate Deadlines To Avoid Delays
Insurance policies have numerous reporting, documentation, and proof of loss deadlines. If even one is missed, it can jeopardize the entire claim.
Your insurance producer keeps track of these requirements and makes sure you are reminded of what is needed and when. They can also request extensions as needed and document all communication so there is a clear record of compliance. This attention to detail prevents administrative or procedural issues from becoming problems later.
Offering Support And Advice Beyond Claim Resolution
Once a claim is closed and the check is in hand, the relationship between a producer and client is not over. A good producer will sit down with you to review what happened and discuss lessons learned.
At Bowthorpe & Associates Insurance Producers, this often translates into ways to tighten up coverage to avoid similar problems in the future. This may involve increasing limits, adding endorsements, or closing previously unknown coverage gaps.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I contact my insurance producer following a loss?
As soon as it is safe to do so. Prompt notice helps preserve coverage and enables your producer to advise on next steps before errors are made.
Will my insurance producer be able to speak to the adjuster on my behalf?
Yes. Your producer can communicate with the adjuster, exchange documentation, request updates, and address any discrepancies or questions.
What if I do not agree with the settlement amount?
Your producer can review the offer, compare it to your estimates and policy terms, and submit additional documentation or a request for reconsideration if warranted.
Do insurance producers help with denied claims?
Yes. Producers can review the denial letter, explain why it happened, and help determine whether an appeal or additional evidence could help.
Is there an extra fee for claims help from my producer?
Claims support is typically included as part of the service you receive from your insurance producer and does not come with an additional cost.