To further complicate matters, even if a loss is covered, the policy most likely includes a deductible as well as coverage limits. Depending on the nature of the loss, multiple insurance companies may be involved(one of which may be car insurance northern ireland). For example, if a storm strikes and you have both wind and flood damage, you may have to file a claim with your homeowners insurance for the wind damage and another with the national flood insurance program (if you have flood insurance) for the water damage.
Depending on where you live, your deductible may be higher under certain circumstances. For example, in Florida, your deductible for hurricane damage is much higher than if your home was burglarized. So, will your insurance company pay or won't they? Look at it this way, insurance companies DON'T want to pay. They are in business to generate profits and will need to be convinced BY YOU that the claim should be paid. The burden of proof lies on you, the homeowner. This means that you will need to prove your case and do it well. The better prepared and more organized you are, the better.
Start with documentation. You may need to take dozens of photos and provide your insurance agent with detailed estimates to counter against the insurance company's original settlement offer. You may need to demand to see how the agent depreciated your property and negotiate a more reasonable method. While your homeowner's insurance policy is a contract, the claims process does provide room for negotiations with auto insurance company (more information on best negotiation tactics in How to Contact with Auto Insurance Company? article).
Your best bet is to be prepared for a fight. Your tools in this battle include a detailed home inventory, digital photos and video documenting the damage, estimates from local contractors, and a willingness to demand a better offer. You don't have to do this alone. In fact, many contractors are willing to be present during the insurance adjuster's visit to help point out damage that the adjuster might have otherwise ignored. In addition, public insurance adjusters act as advocates for the homeowner and work on your behalf to negotiate a higher settlement offer.
Arm yourself with knowledge, documentation, and real-world estimates while also considering professional representation and you'll be better equipped to answer the question, "Will they pay for it?"
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Thursday, April 9, 2009
How to Avoid the High Cost of Car Insurance and Get Cheaper Cover
Car insurance has risen so much in some areas that many people are taking the risk of driving without auto insurance because the cost is so high. With a small bit of work though anyone can reduce their auto insurance premium to make it affordable.
Many insurance companies use gimmicks to get you to sign up while hidden away in their terms are conditions that can work out very expensive for you if you have an accident or if your windshield cracks or breaks and you have to pay for these costs yourself. A new windshield on some cars can equal several months of car insurance payments.
Do not sign up just because you saw an offer for the insurance on television. It is the companies that advertise on the internet that give the best deals. With so many companies fighting for you to go with them you can save hundreds of dollars by taking a few minutes to do a proper search. Before getting a quote doing the flowing will save you even more money.
#1 Be prepared beforehand by knowing the mileage you will be doing in the car. You need to keep this as low as possible to get a cheaper quote. Do everything you can to keep this figure down and do not be tempted to give a misleading figure. In the advent of an accident the first thing the insurer will check is your mileage.
#2 If you are a student away from home it may be better to insure it at your parents address. This may work out cheaper. The best way to find out is to get insurance quotes at both addresses.
#3 Before you even go out and buy a car get some quotes. Even the colour of the car can affect your insurance and it is a good idea to try and get a cheaper car for your first car and not to buy the car and then the insurance. this will only lead to you paying more.
#4 If you need to call the auto insurers on the phone do not accept anything over the phone. Whatever price they quote you is usually at least 10% more than for the same car from the same company on the internet. Check everything and doing this will get you the best cover.
Many insurance companies use gimmicks to get you to sign up while hidden away in their terms are conditions that can work out very expensive for you if you have an accident or if your windshield cracks or breaks and you have to pay for these costs yourself. A new windshield on some cars can equal several months of car insurance payments.
Do not sign up just because you saw an offer for the insurance on television. It is the companies that advertise on the internet that give the best deals. With so many companies fighting for you to go with them you can save hundreds of dollars by taking a few minutes to do a proper search. Before getting a quote doing the flowing will save you even more money.
#1 Be prepared beforehand by knowing the mileage you will be doing in the car. You need to keep this as low as possible to get a cheaper quote. Do everything you can to keep this figure down and do not be tempted to give a misleading figure. In the advent of an accident the first thing the insurer will check is your mileage.
#2 If you are a student away from home it may be better to insure it at your parents address. This may work out cheaper. The best way to find out is to get insurance quotes at both addresses.
#3 Before you even go out and buy a car get some quotes. Even the colour of the car can affect your insurance and it is a good idea to try and get a cheaper car for your first car and not to buy the car and then the insurance. this will only lead to you paying more.
#4 If you need to call the auto insurers on the phone do not accept anything over the phone. Whatever price they quote you is usually at least 10% more than for the same car from the same company on the internet. Check everything and doing this will get you the best cover.
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