An insurance policy is a promise to protect you against certain
types of loss, but it can't follow-through unless it knows about a loss. Prompt
notification is so important that it is a formal policy requirement. A policyholder
that fails to meet this obligation could result in a claim being denied.
A policy typically requires you to do the following:
Contact the agent or insurer as quickly as
practical - the practical
requirement replaced the previous use of "possible," since some
companies unreasonably denied coverage because notification was not
instantaneous. The difference between words is important. It allows some
flexibility for dealing with circumstances that could affect how quickly you
contact your agent or insurer about a loss.
Identify yourself - Perhaps one day your insurer will be able to
recognize your voice over the phone and immediately pull up your file. Until
then, be prepared to at least tell your insurer your full name (or, if
different, the name the insurance policy is under) and the policy number.
Give adequate details - What, When Where, Why and How. It is important
that the insurer has enough information to take proper action. This information
allows an insurer to open a claim file, assign the loss to a claims person and
begin investigation of your loss.
Provide copies of loss-related materials to the
insurer - You should not guess about whether a legal
notice or request to be paid for damages is important, even when an actual
lawsuit has yet to be filed. Send a copy of the information to your insurer and
let them decide.
Complete and quick communication about losses gives you the best
chance to get needed coverage and gives your insurer an opportunity to handle a
possible claim efficiently. It also allows the insurer to control issues that
could let lawsuits gets out of control, such as the ability to offer payment
for medical expenses or to contact and question witnesses.
Don't hesitate! Contact your agent or insurer and get your loss
handled.
