Filing an insurance claim can seem like an overwhelming task, but it doesn’t have to be. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners has put together the following tips to help policyholders facilitate the process:

• Know your policy – Your insurance policy is a contract between you and your insurance company. Know the terms of that contract, including what’s covered, what’s excluded and the amount of any deductibles.
• File claims as soon as possible – Call your agent or your insurer’s claims hotline as soon as possible. Your policy might require notification within a certain time frame.
• Provide complete, correct information – Be certain to give your insurance company all the information they need. Incorrect or incomplete information will only cause a delay in processing your claim.
• Keep copies of all correspondence – Write down information about your telephone and in-person contacts, including the date, name and title of the person you spoke with and what was said. Also, keep a record of your time and expenses.
• Ask questions – If there is a disagreement about the claim settlement, ask the insurer for the specific language in the policy that explains the reason why the claim was settled in that manner. If this disagreement results in a claim denial, make sure you obtain a written letter explaining the reason for the denial and the specific policy language under which the claim is being denied. If you have a dispute with your insurer about