Insurance Claims in Tacoma, WA
What Are Insurance Claims?
Filing an insurance claim in Tacoma, Washington 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 Tacoma, Washington 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.
Dynamic storm systems that bring heavy winds to Tacoma can rip roofs apart and drop timber into homes. In January 2021, FOX13 reported a local woman had a tree crash through her bedroom. Thankfully, she did not suffer significant injuries. But, when harrowing experiences occur, you may need legal counsel to protect your interests.
How to File a Property Insurance Claim in Tacoma, Washington
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
The foremost concern for any insurance claim in Tacoma involves working with an adjuster. This individual has a responsibility to interpret what your policy covers. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, many insurers issue early payments to secure contractors.
The Office of the Insurance Commissioner clarifies your rights and responsibilities during a property claim. For your part, the general expectation is that you’ll provide the necessary information quickly and accurately. In turn, you have an entitlement to:
- Transparent explanations of your benefits
- Itemized statements of what the insurer will cover in your claim
- Timely responses and payments
- Appraisals when you don’t agree with the final settlement offer
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?
The Attorney General of Washington State says that drivers should stop and call 911 if there are any injuries. If no one got hurt and there’s less than $500 in damages, you don’t have to notify the police department. You can simply exchange information and report the incident to your insurance. The information that the state government recommends you collect includes:
- Name, phone number, and address of the other driver(s)
- Full contact details from witnesses
- Insurance company information
- License plate and driver’s license number
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 Tacoma.
Health Insurance Claims
Tacoma, Washington 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 Tacoma, Washington?
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.
The risk always remains that your health insurance carrier will deny your claim. When this unfortunate turn of events occurs, you have a right to an internal appeal. Moreover, the Office of the Insurance Commissioner asserts that you can request an independent review. The State of Washington provides a search tool to find organizations recommended by the state.
Work with an Experienced Local Insurance Lawyer in Tacoma, Washington.
If your health insurance provider refuses to honor a claim, seek out a qualified Tacoma 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 Washington 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!
