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| Frequently
Asked Questions |
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| What
is the process that my insurance company follows
when I file a claim? |
1.
Insured calls agent or claim service center to
report initial claim.
2. Claim received in local claim office from service
center.
3. The insured receives a call from the claim
department to review loss facts and claim-handling
procedures.
4. If an inspection is not needed, the adjuster
requests information needed to process the claim
and issue a settlement check.
5. If an inspection is needed, the claim is assigned
to a field adjuster who contacts the insured and
sets an appointment.
6. If a contractor is involved, the adjuster attempts
to meet with the customer and the contractor to
reach an agreed scope and dollar amount of loss.
An estimate is prepared and a check is written
for the damages.
7. If a contractor is not involved, the adjuster
prepares an estimate and issues a check for the
damages.
8. If the insured obtains a contractor after the
loss is settled, the insured is instructed to
have the contractor review the estimate and contact
the adjuster with any discrepancies.
9. Every attempt is made to reach an agreed price
with the contractor and resolve any discrepancies.
If additional money is owed, a supplemental estimate
is prepared and a check issued. |
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| Will
filing one claim on my homeowners insurance cause my
rates to go up? |
| No.
In most cases, once an insurer reviews your loss history
and finds none, one claim should not affect your rates.
If the claim exposes some greater risk on your property,
however, such as owning a trampoline or new swimming
pool, then you may face a rate increase. |
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| Where
can I find more information about renters insurance?
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| If
you own and insure a car, you might ask your auto insurer
if it can "bundle" the two policies —
auto and renters — together in order to receive
a discount. |
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| Do
I need to purchase insurance before I buy a new car?
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If
this is your first car, yes, you'll have to buy auto
insurance before you drive your shiny new car off
the dealer's lot. If you are financing the purchase,
the lender will require that you buy a policy with
comprehensive and collision coverage. Not all states
require the purchase of liability coverage.
If
you have owned a vehicle and already have an auto
insurance policy, that will generally cover your new
automobile for a period of up to 15 days after you
buy it. Once that 15-day period is up, you'll have
to talk with your agent or company representative
to insure that new vehicle.
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| Do
I have to use my insurer's body shop for repairs? |
| No.
Most states have "anti-steering" laws that
say insurers can't force you to go to a particular repair
facility. Look up your state's law in Inside the direct
car-repair process. However, if you choose to use a
body shop not recommended or approved by your insurer,
you may have additional out-of-pocket expenses. |
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| What
are my options for buying health insurance for myself
or my family? |
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The
best way to get health insurance is through your employer
as part of a "group health insurance" plan.
You'll pay less and will often have broader benefits
than if you were to buy a plan yourself on the open
market. Some health plans now consider people who
are self-employed to be a "group of one,"
and will offer you group coverage.
If
you don't have access to an employer-sponsored health
plan, see if you can get a group policy through some
other channel. Often, local chambers of commerce or
professional organizations offer group health insurance
to their members. If you can't get group coverage
anywhere, you can still buy individual coverage, but
the rates will be higher and you risk being turned
down for coverage if you have any preexisting medical
conditions.
Often,
health plans will have "open enrollment"
periods, an annual window period when individuals
can join. If you missed open enrollment, you may have
to wait until next year. See if your state's insurance
department has a health insurance shopper's brochure
that lists health plans and comparative costs. Also,
find out if your state mandates any "guaranteed
issue" plans for individuals.
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© 2007 - Lane Insurance
Agency
1225 Sunset
Drive | Norwalk, Iowa 50211
515.981.4614 |
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