Insurance is something you hope you never have to use, but if you should ever need to file a claim after experiencing a loss, it's important to understand your rights and responsibilities for the claims process.
Your responsibilities
- Cooperate with the investigation.
- Be ready to prove the loss - show your receipts.
- If you don't have receipts, show photos of the damaged or missing items.
- Submit the information your company requests in a timely manner.
- Keep complete copies for your reference.
Your rights
You're entitled to:
- A clear explanation of what's covered.
- An itemized statement outlining how the company will pay your claim.
- A prompt response from the company.
- Timely payments and a claim decision.
- An appraisal if you disagree with the amount of your loss.
- You can work with the adjuster your insurance company sends or you can hire a public adjuster (a licensed person who works on your behalf to appraise and negotiate your property-insurance claim).
NOTE: Before you hire a public adjuster, make sure they are licensed in Washington state (fortress.wa.gov) and shop around as rates may vary from adjuster to adjuster.