How to report an insurance claim? Unforeseen events come as a shock. Especially when we least expect them. This could be a car accident, a house fire, an injury, or our pet’s illness. To receive a payment from the insurer, it is essential to report the insurance claim. However, we don’t need to worry. It’s not complicated. The important thing is to inform the insurer immediately after we discover that an insurance event has occurred. Another important point is to report all important and especially correct details. In the following article, we will learn how to report an insurance claim so that the financial payment proceeds quickly and without complications.
How to report an insurance claim?
Commonly taken out policies include building insurance, household insurance, personal accident insurance, collision damage waiver, third-party liability insurance, and liability insurance. The required documents, details, obligations, and the time we must inform the insurer about the event vary depending on the type of insurance.
A simple way to report an insurance claim is to complete an online form on our insurer’s website. If we don’t have this option, we can visit a branch of the insurer in person. In this case, we find out in advance which documents we need to bring. We can also report the insurance claim by telephone and provide the necessary documents later.
We report the insurance claim as soon as possible.
As soon as we discover that an insurance event has occurred, we do not delay and immediately report it to the insurer. Otherwise, the insurer may reject the insurance payment, for example, due to a lack of evidence. For events such as a house fire or a natural disaster (tornado), we report the insurance claim as soon as the situation allows. In the event of a car theft or burglary, we first call the police and then contact the insurer.
How to proceed?
Before we start reporting the insurance claim, we take the necessary measures to prevent the consequences from worsening. For example, in the event of a burst pipe, we must shut off the main water supply.
We photograph everything and write down details. We never throw away damaged items, but leave them for inspection by the loss adjuster. Photographic documentation is very important, especially when it is necessary to remove the consequences as soon as possible. If a neighbour floods us, we photograph all the damage before we mop it up. The insurer must first investigate everything. Therefore, it is important to provide them with all detailed information and documents. If we have invoices for the purchase price of damaged items, that is even better. This will help us in assessing the damage. In the event of a criminal act, we obtain a copy of the police report.
The sooner we provide all the important documents, the greater the likelihood that we will receive the financial payment without complications.
Building and household insurance
A general rule is that if we turn our house upside down, the items that fall out (furniture, equipment) are covered by household insurance. What remains in the house (walls, windows, electrical wiring) is covered by property insurance. In both cases, it is advisable to provide precise photographic documentation and a detailed description of the event. We usually provide:
- policy number,
- date and place where the insurance event occurred,
- personal and contact details,
- detailed description of the event,
- photographic documentation,
- copy of the police report,
- bank account number.
Each insurance company has a different approach. Some may only require photographic documentation of the insured event. Others will send an adjuster to the scene. However, the adjuster may not arrive for several days. In any case, it is important to secure the property so that the damage does not worsen.
Vehicle Damage
We must know that third-party liability insurance covers damage to vehicles, property, and health of those involved in an accident. Collision insurance covers damage only to the vehicle. In both cases, the insurance company will require a police report and details of all parties involved. We will provide:
- personal and contact details of all parties involved,
- registration numbers,
- policy number,
- date and place where the insured event occurred,
- description of the event (from us, or possibly from the police),
- driving licence,
- vehicle registration document,
- green card,
- photographic documentation.
For a claim under third-party liability insurance, both the at-fault driver and the injured party must report the incident to the insurance company. The injured party requests compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance covers expenses such as medical assistance, loss of luggage, trip cancellation, flight compensation, veterinary treatment abroad, and much more. Among all types of insurance contracts, travel insurance is one of the most complex. We must provide many documents and information. The insurance company needs:
- policy number,
- date and place where the insured event occurred,
- description of the event,
- personal and contact details,
- bank account number.
For medical treatment, we will provide a medical report, copies or originals of prescriptions, and receipts for medical expenses.
For dental treatment, we will provide a diagnosis confirmation, invoices with the dental practice stamp, or prescriptions from the pharmacy.
For theft of luggage, we will provide a detailed list of stolen items and a police report.
For lost luggage, we will obtain a statement from airport personnel. If the luggage was lost elsewhere, it will be sufficient to report the event to the insurance company.
Liability
Events covered by liability insurance include public liability, damage during the performance of a profession, work accidents, school accidents, business liability insurance, liability of a road carrier (carrier), and others. We will report the event to the insurance company as soon as possible and photograph everything carefully. If we have damaged the property of another person, we will call the police and obtain a police report. The insurance company needs:
- policy number,
- date and place of the damage event,
- description of the event,
- extent of the damage including the estimated amount,
- personal and contact details,
- personal and contact details of the injured party,
- if we have damaged a motor vehicle, we will report the registration number, type of vehicle, and manufacturer.
Accident and Illness
Accident and illness insurance covers hospital stays, incapacity for work, serious, critical, or oncological illnesses, permanent consequences of an accident, disability, and others. This insurance will replace lost income, or expenses for convalescence if we are unable to work due to illness or accident. Some insurance companies require reporting of the insured event immediately, others after the end of treatment. We will find out what our specific insurance company requires. We will provide:
- policy number,
- date and place of the damage event,
- personal and contact details,
- medical report,
- bank account number.
Some insurance companies allow the doctor to directly report the insured event in the case of life and accident insurance.
Pet
Our pets are members of our family. Their insurance is offered by several insurers, such as Generali Česká pojišťovna, Česká podnikatelská pojišťovna, and others. Insurance covers treatment for injury or illness, insurance for death or euthanasia, and liability insurance. We need:
- policy number,
- date and place of the event,
- description of the event,
- extent of the damage,
- personal and contact details.
Do you want to find out how to create passive income? Try reading an interesting article on this topic.
