Insurance Claims in Birmingham, AL
What Are Insurance Claims?
Filing an insurance claim in Birmingham, Alabama can be a stressful process. Every policy is different, and insurance companies may not pay you what you deserve. In some cases, hiring an insurance claim attorney is necessary. This page breaks down the nuances of different types of insurance claims.
What Is a Property Insurance Claim?
A homeowner’s insurance policy is an agreement to protect the home from damage under specific occurrences. When you as a policyholder suffer a loss, you should find a dedicated Birmingham, Alabama property insurance lawyer. Your legal advocate works on your claim to ensure that you receive the benefits necessary to repair or rebuild your property.
If the insurer denies coverage or delays, policyholders should consult a property insurance attorney about a bad faith claim. If your claim goes to court and you win, you can often recover your court costs, attorney fees, and coverage benefits. There is also the possibility of recovering more money depending on the state laws under which you file your claim.
What Types Of Damage Claims Apply to Property Insurance?
Specific geographic regions impact the design of insurance policies. For example, Florida property insurance policies have more provisions for hurricanes versus earthquakes.
The Alabama Department of Insurance provides an online guide for homeowners in Birmingham. Due to proximity to the coast, Birmingham residents should always take precautions against storm damage, as this makes up a large portion of claims filed. Storm shutters, reinforced glass, and removing objects from the walls can lessen the damage that may happen during a storm. In addition, The University of Alabama provides a shopper’s guide to making informed choices when purchasing storm coverage.
How to File a Property Insurance Claim in Birmingham, Alabama
After you suffer a loss, you must contact your insurer as soon as possible. Taking this step begins the insurance claim process and gets things moving along. You need to notify your insurance company in writing or over the phone. From there, your insurer appoints a claim representative.
What to Expect Afterwards
According to WalletHub, an insurance company in Birmingham has a total of 75 days to pay out your claim. This process can seem long, but it is generally taken in 3 steps. The company has 15 days to acknowledge the claim and provide you with the paperwork to move forward. They will then have 30 days to approve or deny the claim. Following approval, the company will have 30 days to pay your claim.
In addition, Birmingham residents should be aware of the Alabama Policyholder Bill of Rights. This entitles you to competitive pricing from your insurance company, as well as a requirement for the company to operate in good faith. If you feel that your insurance company is unfairly delaying the process, you should contact an experienced attorney in Birmingham.
What Is an Auto Insurance Claim?
Auto insurance claims involve requesting compensation from an auto insurer after an accident. Car accidents are incredibly stressful, especially if there are uncooperative responsible parties. However, your insurer’s job is to work on your behalf to secure compensation for repairs, injuries, and other expenses.
What Do You Do After a Car Accident?
Alabama Legal Help provides an online checklist for those involved in a car accident in Birmingham. The most important thing to remember is to remain calm and remain on the scene. You should always:
- Check yourself and others for injuries
- Gather information from anyone involved in the accident
- Gather information from any bystanders who witnessed the accident
- Give your statement to the police
Once you’ve spoken to the Birmingham Police, you should contact your insurance agency to inform them of the accident. Make sure to get the name and badge number of the officer you’ve spoken with. This information, along with the information you gathered from others at the scene, will help your insurance agent when filing your claim.
Auto Claims Adjuster
Your auto insurance company will assign a claims adjuster to your claim report. Your adjuster acts as your representation in any mediation between you and all other involved parties. This insurance representative bears responsibility for investigating the claim and seeing that you receive compensation for any repairs or injuries.
Whether there are repair claims, personal injury claims, or you are dealing with someone who does not have insurance, your auto insurance adjuster should see you through the process. Your claims adjuster may recommend a garage to handle your vehicle repairs. They may also make arrangements for a rental vehicle if required. The most important thing to note is that your auto claim adjuster is your primary point of contact regarding the status of your claim in Birmingham.
Health Insurance Claims
Birmingham, Alabama policyholders file health insurance claims when they seek reimbursement for medical services or treatments. When you obtain a medical service from a provider, your health insurance carrier should become notified directly. If there are any discrepancies in your claim, consider hiring a health insurance claim specialist attorney.
How Do You File a Health Claim In Birmingham, Alabama?
There are two ways to file a health insurance claim on your behalf. The first is the medical facility notifies your insurer for you. You may be able to walk out of the facility without spending anything, but that depends on your policy. The other way is to file a health insurance claim yourself. Taking this route can occur when a health provider you use is not in your provider network. The facility may still file the claim on your behalf, but you may need to file it yourself.
Blue Cross Blue Shield Alabama provides online steps for Birmingham residents that are filing their own claims. This process can seem stressful, especially when you are accustomed to having a healthcare provider file for you. You will generally receive an itemized bill detailing the services and care you’ve received, as well as the total for what is and is not covered. It’s important for you to know what is in and out of your healthcare network. If you are using Alabama Medicare, they will provide you with this information.
Work With an Experienced Local Insurance Lawyer In Birmingham, Alabama.
If your health insurance provider refuses to honor a claim, seek out a qualified Birmingham insurance claim attorney’s help. An insurance claim attorney can help if you have been improperly denied coverage or sent a bill for a service you never received. We can even help you connect with an attorney across Alabama state lines.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!
