Claim Tips - Helping you through a difficult process

Unfortunately, we all have need of our insurance companies from time to time. What's even more unfortunate is the policies are written in such a way as to obfuscate, not educate. The small print and legalese can keep even a small army of lawyers arguing for a week! Most people don't have the time or inclination to really read their policies and only discover (often painfully) what they are entitled to (or what they did not understand).

We don't pretend to have all the answers, but we do have insightful information to help you navigate the maze of claim forms with tips on how to handle your claim. Often, it's the simple things that can really make a difference in your pay-out, or how quickly a claim is settled. With years of experience in the industry, we have compiled information that may prove invaluable to you as you pass through the claim and repair process. We make no guarantees or provide assurances, but we are sure we can save you much more than the fees for our reports.

Please choose the information in the Auto or Home section below that best fits your claim. By placing a value in the box to the left of the information you are interested in, the corresponding value of that item will automatically be added to your shopping cart (i.e. 1, 3, 7, etc.). After you're done choosing the information you want, click on the Review Order button (at the bottom of the page) to see what you've selected. After reviewing your order (and Texas residents adding the appropriate tax), we take you to our secure order form. After completing the form (remember, it's on a secure server), we will email the requested information to you within 24 hours of receipt of the order.

Please note that all reports are $10.00 each. This information is for educational purposes only and is out there for the taking if you ask enough of the right questions from the right people. But we have found that most people don't know the question to ask to get the answers they need! That's why we started Claimtips.

TYPES OF AUTO CLAIMS

A1-What you need to do at your Auto Accident scene

A2-What to look for in your Auto repair settlement and estimate

A3- What to look for in your Auto total loss settlement

A4- What to negotiate for in your auto Bodily Injury claim

A5- How to work the maze with your lienholder as their name may be on the draft

A6- Collision and Comprehensive Coverage (how they apply)

A7- Personal Injury Protection & Medical Payments Coverage (no fault coverages)

A8- Uninsured/Underinsured Coverages

A9- Betterment and Depreciation

A10- Subrogation

A11- Salvage Value (who keeps the salvage)

Money-Saving Tip

Drain your hot water tank at least every 2 years to prevent the buildup of sediment and chemicals. This can help reduce the wear on the lining of the tank, thus reducing the chance of a leak. Keep an eye on the bottom of the unit, and if you see any signs of rusting, have the unit inspected.

TYPES OF HOMEOWNERS CLAIMS

Wind & Hail Damage (5 reports available)

[ Composition \|	Wood \|	Tile \|	Metal \|	Flat ]

H2- Fire & Smoke damage

H3- Lightning damage

H4- Theft to contents (on premise)

H5- Theft to contents (off premise)

H6- Plumbing Leaks to sewer lines

H7- Plumbing Leaks to supply lines

H8- Plumbing Leaks to the shower pan system

H9- Plumbing Leaks to an appliance

H10- Tornado damage

H11- Hurricane damage

H12- Surface Waters (not heavy flooding)

H13- Freeze damage (busted pipes)

H14- Vandalism & Malicious Mischief

H15- Glass Breakage (windows)

H16- Jewelry, Watches and Furs(there are special limits)

H17- Business Personal property and Farm and Ranch property

H18- Money & Bank cards

H19- Debris removal and Tree removal

H20- Boathouse coverage (property located partially or wholly over water)

H21- Loss of Use (Additional Living Expenses)

H22- Loss of Use (Fair Rental Value)

H23- Damage to Trees, Shrubs, Plants and Lawns

H24- Replacement Cost Coverage (a provision in the policy with a time limit)

H25- Your Mortgage Company (their name may be on your payment)

H26- Co-Insurance Clause (this can reduce your claim)

H27- Carpet and Flooring evaluations

H28- Alternate Dispute Resolution (this is the appraisal process)

H29- Deductible Clause

H30- Subrogation Clause

H31- The Proof of Loss (this is an important instrument)

H32- Foundation and Earth movement, Wear and Tear, Flood, Surface waters (exclusions)

As in all claims, make sure you report the claim in a timely manner to your Insurance company.

If during the settlement or adjustment of your claim you or your company fail to come to an agreement as to the damages, either party can make written demand for the Alternate Dispute Resolution. To learn more about the Alternate Dispute Resolution please see H28 - Alternate Dispute Resolution.

And remember: your policy has specific duties that you should be aware of to protect your rights under contract. Take the necessary steps to protect your property from further damages. These costs will be reimbursed under the claim. In some cases you will be asked to file a " proof of loss". This is very important and has a short time limit. Please see H31- Proof of Loss for details.

*************Disclaimer***************Disclaimer*************

This claim information is correct to the best of our knowledge and is kept current by agents and adjusters. This site is not intending to assist in any type of fraudulent activities against the policy of insurance, only to allow insight to your insurance policy/claim which may assist you in understanding the claims process. We can not guarantee all Insurance companies or States follow the same guidelines as each can and will be a little different. We are in no way acting as counsel or advising in a fiduciary manner. So please use the information as a tool and hold us harmless. We are not determining coverage's, fault, liability or different insurance companies' policies.

**************************************************************

Questions or comments?

Information for the Policyholder on Homeowners and Automobile Claims

Have you ever had a Homeowners or Automobile claim?

Have you ever wondered if your claim was settled fairly?

Have you ever wondered how your adjuster arrived at the figures for your settlement?

Do you worry about the contractor or body shop that is doing your repairs?

Have you ever settled your bodily injury claim and left some 30% to 50% of your settlement with your attorney?

Would you like to better understand the claims process, learn what to expect, or what to ask for in your claims settlement?

TYPES OF AUTO CLAIMS

Money-Saving Tip

TYPES OF HOMEOWNERS CLAIMS