Four steps to a smooth insurance claim

Claim time – with so many things to focus on, it can be a stressful time for anyone. And it’s also one of those times when having an insurance adviser in your corner can make a huge difference.

If you’d like to make your insurance claim hassle-free, there are some steps that you can take during your insurance journey. Starting with…

Getting familiar with the small print

Like to make the most of your cover? The fine print of your policy is a good place to start – the number-one source of truth. It will tell you exactly what’s covered and what’s not, terms and conditions, and other important items you need to be aware of.

Now, there’s no denying that the insurance small print is lengthy with lots of technical terms, which can make for a difficult and time-consuming read. The good news is, help is just one phone call away: an insurance adviser can explain the detail of your cover, both when you apply and whenever you have questions. Which leads us to the next point.

Not sure if you can claim? Ask your adviser

Even if you think you’re across every detail of your policy, it pays to check with your insurance adviser if the unexpected happens. Depending on your policy, you may also be able to claim for things like annual health screenings, counselling sessions, wellness advice or addiction assistance – all proactive measures to prevent you from needing to claim further down the track.

Over time, it can be easy to ‘set and forget’ – potentially missing out on a valid claim. Every year your adviser will invite you to book an insurance review: it can be a great opportunity to get a refresher of what’s covered and what’s not, and prevent claimable events from ‘slipping through the cracks’.

Paperwork, paperwork, paperwork

So, have you identified that you can claim on your insurance? With your paperwork in hand, it’s time to apply for a payout.

Filing a claim usually can mean filling out lengthy claim forms. Depending on what you’re claiming on, you may need to gather evidence and include a complete account of what happened. The more information you can provide, the clearer everything will be for the insurer – which can help fast-track a positive outcome.

But the reality is, claims often need to be made at stressful and difficult times (e.g., an illness, bereavement, or financial difficulty), so dealing with extensive paperwork on your own is not the easiest.

Once again, having an adviser in your corner can be of great help. They know all about the claims process – the forms, the type of evidence needed, and the level of detail that insurers require.

Have someone to turn to

An insurance adviser is not just there to check the facts and help with the paperwork: they’re also client champions, supporting the emotional side of making a claim.

Through empathy and timely communication, advisers are there to liaise between your family and the insurer, taking care of difficult conversations on your behalf when possible. It’s not rare for advisers to go the extra mile and visit clients at the hospital or at home when necessary, doing whatever they can to facilitate the process and take some of stress off your shoulders. It may be one of the most intangible benefits of quality advice, but it’s one that makes all the difference when you’re going through difficult times.

Keep your cover working for you

The thing about insurance is that you’re taking out something you hope you never have to use. But unfortunately, the unexpected can happen – and when it does, having appropriate cover can really help you out.

If you’d like to make the most of your cover, consider seeking advice. An insurance adviser can guide and support you every step of the way, from quotes to claim time. Click here to find a financial adviser specialised in Personal Risk near you today.

Disclaimer: Please note that the content provided in this article is intended as an overview and as general information only. While care is taken to ensure accuracy and reliability, the information provided is subject to continuous change and may not reflect current developments or address your situation. Before making any decisions based on the information provided in this article, please use your discretion and seek independent guidance.