IMPORTANT STEPS TO TAKE
WHEN FILING A CLAIM
When an unexpected event or disaster happens, funds from your insurance policy can help cover your costs. If you have never filed an insurance claim before, you might be unsure about what to do first. You’re also going through a difficult time in your life, whether you need to make a home insurance claim, disability insurance claim, life insurance claim, or another type of claim. It’s important that you also focus on recovering from the unexpected event.
We want you to have the information you need to be successful in filing your insurance claim. At Arnett & Arnett, PC, we are dedicated to helping you succeed in your fight against bad faith insurance companies.
Wayne Arnett is certified by the Arizona Board of Legal Specialization as a Specialist in Injury and Wrongful Death Litigation. Less than 5% of Arizona attorneys are board-certified. Mark Arnett has been fighting insurance companies since 1988, participating in a number of jury trials and expertly defending his clients. Arnett & Arnett, PC proudly represents clients in Chandler, Arizona, as well as Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff, and throughout the state.
Steps for Filing a Claim
After a disaster or an unexpected life event, you need to file a claim with your insurance company. You will need to take the following steps in the process.
Gather All of Your Documentation
First, you should collect all the documents related to your claim. The documents you need to gather will depend on your type of claim.
If you are filing a disability claim, you will need documentation from your healthcare provider as well as other records. If you are filing for homeowner’s insurance, you will need to provide estimates of the cost of work to repair the damage and related documents. If you are filing a life insurance claim, you may need a copy of the death certificate.
Speaking with an experienced insurance attorney can help you as you gather all the proper documentation.
Contact Your Insurance Company
The next step in the process is to contact your insurance company. You need to let your insurance agent know what happened and what your current situation is. It’s also important that you ask the insurance agent what other documentation you may need to provide.
Contact an Experienced Attorney
At any point in this process, you should contact an experienced insurance attorney to help you file your claim and build your case. Insurance attorneys know how the process works and what you need to do to strengthen your case. They also know what bad faith insurance companies may try to do to deny a claim. Working with an experienced insurance attorney can help you build a stronger case that may have a better likelihood of achieving the outcome you need.
Apply for the Claim
Your next step is to apply for the claim with your insurance company. Depending on your insurance company, you may be able to file the claim online. You need to provide the most accurate information possible when you’re filing your claim.
If Denied, Begin the Appeals Process
The insurance company may deny your application. In some cases, the insurance company may just need more information about your specific claim. In other cases, they may be using bad faith insurance practices to deny your legitimate claim.
Your next step is to appeal their decision. When you file your appeal, you should make sure to include any and all updated information about your claim. An experienced insurance attorney can help you navigate the appeals process.
When Should I File a Claim?
The timeline of when you should file your claim depends on the situation. If you were in an accident or your home was burglarized, you may want to file your claim as soon as possible. Some policies state that you must file the claim within 30 days of the accident or event. Others will give you three years or possibly even longer. In general, it is advisable to file your claim as soon as you have all the information you need.
Insurance Attorneys Serving Chandler, Arizona
The process of filing an insurance claim or appealing a denied claim can be complicated and overwhelming. Our team at Arnett & Arnett, PC has been fighting insurance companies for over 30 years. We’re proud to advocate for our clients who are up against bad faith insurance practices. Arnett & Arnett, PC works hard to help individuals in Chandler, Arizona, and in Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff, and throughout Arizona.