Before You Call the Insurer

• Regardless of the type of insurance claim you must file, you will need to provide the insurance company with information about your loss. Gather as much information as you can about the date, time and location of the loss as well as details about what happened, who witnessed it and the other parties involved. Even if the insurer doesn't ask for all this information when you first report the claim, you will need it later on.
  
  

File the Claim

• For standard personal insurance, such as auto and homeowner's policies, you can usually file your claim by calling your insurance agent or your insurer's toll-free claims reporting hot line, which you can find on your policy documents. For health insurance, you must usually complete claims forms with information including your doctor's name and location, the date and time of your visit, itemized medical charges and diagnoses. Many medical offices file the claim on your behalf when you pay your portion of the medical bill. If you do not know how to file your claim, contact your broker or whoever sold the policy to you.
  
  

Follow Instructions

• Every insurance company sets its own procedures for handling claims. Generally, when you report your claim for the first time, you will receive instructions about what additional forms you must complete, any inspections you must agree to, an expected time frame for handling your claim and a summary of the process. Most insurance policies require you to cooperate with the insurer's claims process as a condition of receiving benefits. It is important that you follow directions and cooperate to the best of your ability.
  
  

Additional Help

• Most insurance claims are handled fairly and promptly, so chances are good that you will receive the benefits to which you are entitled in a timely manner without much hassle. If, however, you feel your insurer is not cooperating with you or is not offering a reasonable settlement, you have some resources you can use for assistance. Hire an attorney if necessary, though this will likely prevent you from communicating directly with your adjuster afterward and may slow down the process. You can also contact your state's department of insurance, which oversees the industry where you live and offers help to consumers as needed.