When you file a claim with your insurer, you want the process to go as smoothly as possible. Receiving your settlement may be the only thing standing in the way of getting your life back to normal again. That means any hitches can make an already-bad situation much worse.

At best, these obstacles can result in your payment being delayed. At worst, they could indicate that you will be denied outright. Before filing, it’s a good idea to know some of the biggest insurance claim warning signs that could signal trouble for you.

Here are three of the most prominent:

  1. Long periods of silence. One of the most troubling harbingers of insurance claim problems is when the policyholder doesn’t hear from the provider for long stretches of time. Insurance companies have to get back to you within a certain number of days after you file your incident report, depending on your home state. They also are required to provide payouts or denial notifications within a specific timeframe from the time of inspection. If your insurer does not comply or appears to be taking longer than it should, it could mean trouble. Keep records of all interactions you have with the company and let its representatives know that you’re concerned about how long it’s taking.
  2. Your claim is being investigated. If your insurer notifies you that your claim is being investigated, rather than processed, that could be a very bad omen. Typically, investigations take place when the policy provider believes there are issues. It may be trying to prove that the incident is not covered or that the amount requested is excessive. In some cases, a disreputable company will use this process to slow down payment. In any event, it could lead to disappointment and frustration.
  3. Your insurer asks for a recorded statement.Insurance may be the only industry that makes more money when it doesn’t do what you pay it to do. That means insurers may use any tricks they can to deny claims. If your insurer asks you to provide a recorded statement, you may be walking into a trap. Any mistakes you make, such as misremembering the date or time of the incident, could be used as grounds for denial. If your provider asks for a recorded interview to supplement your report, be sure you have all the details straight.

Public Adjusters Can Help You Avoid These Issues

Hiring public adjusters rather than relying on those who work for the insurers means you won’t have to worry about these warnings. Because they are independent, you can be certain that they will be fair and focused on doing what’s best for you, not the provider’s bottom line.

Expert Public Adjusters has helped countless homeowners and businesses settle their claims quickly and with better payouts. Get in touch with us before contacting your insurer and experience the difference.