A claim supplement is a claim for additional repair or replacement costs. Supplements are common in the claims process. However, if you are a policyholder who is unaware of your policy rights, you could lose hundreds or thousands of dollars that you are entitled to collect.
Claim add-ons typically occur after the policyholder files a claim, receives payment, and completes repairs or replacements. Additional damage is then discovered some time later.
Many people mistakenly think that once a claim is closed, it cannot be reopened. And, insurance companies and their adjusters are usually not quick to tell you how to file a claim supplement. So what needs to be done? Let’s look at auto insurance claims and property insurance claims.
For any type of supplemental claim, you must contact your insurance company and give them your original claim number. The best way to notify the company is in writing, sent by Certified Mail. That way, you will know who signed the letter. The insurer will have to reopen the claim. She may get the same adjuster as before, but maybe not.
Supplemental auto insurance claims
Many supplements occur when cars are being repaired. Often times, hidden damage is discovered when the body shop begins to dismantle the car. Therefore, even though the insurance company may have issued payment to the body shop for the original repair estimate, they will issue a second check for the supplemental repairs. Happens all the time, no big deal.
However, sometimes post-repair problems don’t show up right away. A good example is the Air Conditioning system. If you’re in a car accident in July, you may not notice your heater malfunctioning until the fall or winter. But when damage is discovered that may be directly related to the original insured loss, you can file a supplement. Simply document the damage and its cause and submit the supplement to the insurance company. There is no additional deductible, since you have already paid it once.
Supplemental Property Insurance Claims
Homeowners, renters or business insurance claims may find the need for a supplemental claim for some of the same reasons found in auto insurance claims. Seasonal issues can cause damage related to the original loss. But, some other problems may arise. You may have an expert report showing additional damage attributable to the original loss. Your contractor may have found hidden damage that needs to be fixed. In either case, carefully document your claim and submit it to the insurance company.
Be sure to collect all the money that you are entitled to collect. Use additional claims whenever your claim requires it.
If you have suffered a property loss, whether due to fire, wind, flood or otherwise, you need to know how to win insurance claim strategies. The insurance company will not tell you the claims process, but I will. I’ll show you how to take control of your insurance claim and add hundreds or even thousands of dollars to your claim settlement. For more information, visit the website listed below.