6.3.6 Making a claim

A disaster happens. You have a house fire. Your computer is stolen. You have a car crash. It's time to make a claim. When you make a claim, you are officially asking the insurer to pay you for a loss or event covered under the terms of your insurance policy.

Definition

• Claim: Official notice you provide to your insurer asking to be paid for a loss or event covered by your insurance policy

Here are the steps to follow:

1. Contact your insurance broker, agent or company as soon as possible. Most insurers have time limits within which you must submit your claim. Your agent will confirm whether or not the loss is covered under your policy.
2. When submitting your claim, provide all supporting documents needed. For example:
   • If you are making an auto insurance claim, you may need to file an accident report with the local police.
   • If you are making a home insurance claim because of flood, fire or theft, you may need to provide a record of your possessions. It may also be helpful if you can photograph the damage before clean-up, but only if it is safe to do so.
   • If you are making a life insurance claim, you may need to provide a death certificate.
3. Make repairs only if they have been authorized by the insurer and only if it is safe to do so.